A smart carts first in the UK: check out this week's coolest retail technology plays

RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, brings you his top ‘future of retail’ systems launches and deployments from the past week, including Bealls, Profitmind, Exotec, Ralph Lauren, Morrisons, Instacart, Wolt, Strongbow, thortful, Walmart, OpenAI, Wing, EnableAll, Bosch, and Alibaba Group.

EnableAll

Imogen Wethered is stepping into a new position as CEO at EnableAll, a startup that helps Shopify brands tackle accessibility compliance and improve sales, loyalty, and SEO.

Wethered co-founded customer experience software firm, Qudini, which launched in 2012 and was acquired by Verint in 2023. She remained onboard after the acquisition, before moving on in 2024 to various strategic advisor and investor opportunities.

She will be working alongside Mike Adams, founder of group company CareTech, to bring EnableAll’s  product to market.

In a LinkedIn post, Wethered said: “I’m excited to share that our beta waitlist is now open. Why now? Because accessibility has become critical for e-commerce. In the USA, the ADA is already highly litigious. In June, the European Accessibility Act (EAA) came into force.”

“Any business shipping to the EU or Northern Ireland must now align websites with WCAG guidelines - or risk fines and even blocked market access.  In the UK, the Equality Act also requires WCAG compliant websites.”

She added: “But WCAG has 78 complex requirements that are confusing, costly, and time-consuming to implement. Most e-commerce businesses don’t have the time, money, or know-how, and even with hard work it's hard to give customers the flexibility to browse how they wish.”

“But no one wants to be inaccessible either...That’s why we’ve created EnableAll: a new AI powered accessibility app for Shopify retailers. More details coming soon or to anyone joining our Beta waitlist.”

Bealls

US family owned retailer Bealls reports a company wide deployment of Profitmind’s agentic AI solution covering its merchandise planning and inventory processes.

It is using the platform to speed planning cycles, raise forecast accuracy, maximise inventory productivity, and free teams from manual analysis so they can focus on higher value work.

“Bringing Profitmind’s AI into our planning process is like adding rocket fuel to the way we make decisions,” says Matt Beall, Chairman and CEO at Bealls. “It’s constantly crunching numbers from inside our business and from the market so we can zero in on the best opportunities, how much to spend and where to spend it. For our planning teams, it means less time buried in spreadsheets and more time thinking big, being creative, and staying ahead of what our guests want.”

During the initial roll-out, Bealls accepted 80% of Profitmind’s recommendations and recorded a 20% improvement in plan accuracy. It also used the platform to identify weekly profit drivers and to monitor the real-time financial impact of merchandising and inventory decisions.

Exotec and E80 Group

Warehouse robotics provider Exotec has announced a new partnership with end-to-end intralogistics provider E80 Group. 

The pair will develop a joint offering that combines Exotec’s Skypod AS/RS with E80 Group’s suite of pallet handling systems. This will provide customers with case, pallet, and item handling within a single, scalable automation system.

They claim that the move will allow consumer packaged goods companies and grocery retailers to reduce costs, increase resilience and accelerate fulfilment across all channels.

Instacart and Morrisons

Instacart and Morrisons are teaming up to bring the former’s AI powered Caper Cart smart trolleys to the UK for the first time. These will become available starting in early 2026 at one initial Morrisons store, with the potential for a further roll-out.

Caper Carts let customers scan items as they shop, track their running total in real-time, and check-out.

The trolleys feature interactive screens, built-in scales, and AI powered sensors that guide customers through scanning and placing items directly into the basket, including weighing fresh produce directly in the trolley.

As items are scanned, it identifies them instantly, helping customers keep track of their spending and move through the store at their own pace. To complete their purchase, shoppers scan the barcode displayed on the trolley’s screen at the store’s self-checkout area.

For Morrisons customers, the smart trolleys will be integrated with the More Card loyalty programme.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren has introduced Ask Ralph, an AI powered conversational shopping experience.

This serves up multiple, shoppable visual laydowns of complete outfits, personalised to a user’s prompts, from across available inventory within the Men’s and Women’s Polo Ralph Lauren brand. Ask Ralph begins rolling out this week to iPhone and Android app users in the US.

It was developed with Microsoft on its Azure OpenAI platform and uses conversational AI technology and natural language processing to understand open ended prompts, interpret context and provide tailored recommendations to closely mimic the experience of speaking with an in-store stylist.

“Twenty five years ago, we partnered with Microsoft to launch one of the fashion industry’s first e-commerce platforms, and today, we are once again redefining the shopping experience for the next generation,” says David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer, Ralph Lauren Corporation.

“Whether you’re getting ready for a first day of a new job, or creating the perfect look for a night out, Ask Ralph is about more than just discovery - it is about engaging consumers with what they love most about Ralph Lauren: our iconic, unique take on style, providing timeless head-to-toe looks that inspire them to step into our world.

Decjuba

Keeyu, which detects and fixes e-commerce fulfilment, payment, and delivery issues before customers complain, automating issue resolution, has hooked Decjuba as a customer.

In a LinkedIn post, Tracy Godtschalk, CPO and Co-founder at Keeyu, said: “Decjuba delivers effortless, edgy style for women and has grown across Australia and New Zealand.  Their community knows them for great clothes and great service, in-store and online.”

She added: “For retailers with large store networks and strong e-commerce, post-purchase is one of the hardest stages to keep perfect. High order volumes. Seasonal peaks. Complex fulfilment. Even small disruptions can impact the customer experience. We’re proud to partner with Decjuba to keep everything after the buy button running smoothly.”

“That is where Keeyu comes in. The AI agent for proactive e-commerce operations. We detect and fix post-purchase issues before customers ever ask, “Where is my order?” Help desks manage complaints. Keeyu prevents them. So shoppers get what they want, on time, as promised.”

Wolt

Wolt, a Finland-based technology and local commerce company, has shared that 23% of all its worldwide deliveries were made using either electric vehicles or bicycles between July 2024 and July 2025. 

The company says this marks “significant progress” towards more sustainable last mile delivery and an 8% increase year-on-year in ‘clean’ deliveries. 

Wolt operates in more than 30 markets around the world and says more than 80% of deliveries in Austria and 66% in Germany were ‘clean’ in the past year. In Hungary, Croatia and Poland, it says over 30% of deliveries were ‘clean’. 

Office Depot

Office Depot has announced the launch of its 15-Minute Pickup Promise, now available at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores across the US.

Customers can pick up qualifying online or mobile orders in-store or curbside in 15 minutes.

To use the service, they can place a qualifying order at officedepot.com or via the mobile app and select "In-Store or Curbside* Pickup" at least one hour before closing. If their order isn’t ready in 15 minutes, they’ll receive a $15 coupon for their next qualifying purchase within 72 hours.“

“We’re committed to providing the fastest and easiest shopping experience in the nation for our customers, whether they’re wrapping up back to school lists or running their own small business,” says Kevin Moffitt, President at Office Depot.

“Our 15-Minute Pickup Promise is designed to deliver convenience and peace of mind so that customers can get what they need - when they need it - and focus on what matters most.”

Fabric

Fabric is launching a new AI native platform for warehouse fulfillment for retailers and grocers. It claims that Orchestra enables retailers to cut costs, reduce shrink, and deliver better customer experiences, without adding complexity or training burdens.

It aims to help teams onboard new employees faster, make automation tools intuitive and accessible for everyone, and bring intelligence to everyday tasks like inventory management and storage optimisation.

Ops Pilot acts as an AI powered operations assistant, like ChatGPT for the warehouse floor, designed to flatten the learning curve for every employee. By enabling simple, conversational interactions with the fulfillment system, Ops Pilot helps staff get real-time insights, asking questions like “How many orders did we pick yesterday?” and troubleshoot tasks without formal training.

Complementing this is the Digital Planogram, a visual orchestration tool that brings retail merchandising strategies into the automated warehouse. By mirroring store layouts and providing real-time recommendations on inventory replenishment, SKU placement, and promotional displays, it turns complex decisions into simple, everyday actions for frontline staff.

Rather than relying on manual adjustments or static plans, the Digital Planogram adapts to demand patterns and inventory levels, helping retailers optimise space, improve stock accuracy, and reduce costly errors.

Waffle House

DoorDash has announced the roll-out of all night delivery (9pm-8am) for Waffle House, powered exclusively by its Drive on-Demand offering.

Customers can place orders directly through order.wafflehouse.com or the company’s mobile app.

A select number of Waffle House locations in cities like Atlanta, Charleston, Cincinnati, Columbus, Nashville, and New Orleans are also available for 24/7 delivery on the DoorDash app.

“We’ve built our brand on consistency, hospitality, and being there for our customers, day or night,” says Patrick Marshburn, Executive Vice President, Waffle House, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

“Partnering with DoorDash allows us to extend that same dependable experience beyond our restaurant walls, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy the Waffle House comfort they love, from the comfort of their home.”

thortful

Greeting card specialist thortful has announced plans to scale its Face Swap tool after customers completed more than 250,000 swaps since its launch in January 2025.

In what it previously called an industry first, the solution allows users to merge photographs of faces into its cards using facial mapping technology.

The feature was previously only available in the thortful app but is now launching on the retailer’s website this month. The web version will help users to choose the best photographs for the most effective face swaps. 

Strongbow

Strongbow has partnered with marketing agency, Purple Goat, part of WPP Media, to become the first major alcohol brand in the world to add an assistive technology feature directly to its packaging.

Strongbow’s cider products now feature a NaviLens QR code,  a smartphone readable marker that helps blind and partially sighted shoppers find, understand, and engage with the product. The code links to the NaviLens app which shares key details such as ingredients and ABV, along with brand content and store navigation.

The new feature was incorporated as a result of consumer insight, where Purple Goat led research into how Strongbow’s packaging is experienced by blind and visually impaired consumers, drawing on feedback from a host of creators and community advocates including Lucy Edwards, Yahya Pandor, Claire Sisk and Sylvia Chengo. 

One Stop

A One Stop convenience store in Salford is tapping Retail AI technology for an initiative involving in-store radio and retail crime.

In a LinkedIn post, Priyesh Vekaria, Managing Director at P & S Vekaria, said: “Independent retailers have long been the backbone of our high streets, yet we continue to face increasing challenges. From rising retail crime to the strain of poorly thought through legislation, it often feels as though those at the frontline are left to find solutions themselves.”

He added: “At One Stop Carlton Convenience, we believe in leading from the front. That is why we are proud to announce our partnership with Retail AI, demonstrating how independent retailers are embracing innovation to protect staff, safeguard communities and deliver better experiences for customers.”

It is now operating its own bespoke in-store radio station. “This allows us to entertain, inform and engage our customers with music, promotions and services, all while sharing updates on the community initiatives we support. Research shows this technology can increase sales by up to 9%, and it gives us the ability to reinvest even more back into the communities we are proud to serve,” Vekaria said.

Retail AI’s Module 10 Anti Theft, meanwhile, is pitched as the world’s first autonomous AI system that intervenes in real-time. It detects suspicious behaviour, fades store audio, issues a preventative audio alert and records the incident.

No staff intervention is required, protecting colleagues while deterring offenders. Every incident is time stamped and can be shared with police in just three clicks. “Retailers using this system report that offenders do not return. They simply move on to less protected stores,” Vekaria commented.

Bell Media

Bell Media’s partnership with Shopsense AI has expanded to include Canadian sports specialist, TSN.

A new online store delivers a curated shopping experience for viewers through Shopsense AI’s shoppable TV technology, beginning last week during the CFL ON TSN’s Friday Night Football. 

During TSN broadcasts, viewers scan an on-screen QR code to browse and purchase merchandise, including wardrobe items inspired by those worn by TSN personalities, CFL team gear, and road trip essentials.

They can select the products they’re interested in, and are then redirected to the product website where they’re able to make a purchase. 

“With the expansion of our Shopsense AI partnership to include TSN, we’re continuing to redefine how viewers interact with Bell Media content,” says Matt McGowan, Senior Vice-President, Business Solutions, Bell Media. “This new collaboration allows sports fans to enjoy an interactive viewing experience, while we’re able to provide our clients with customised opportunities that connect them directly with TSN audiences.” 

Bosch and Alibaba Group

Bosch and Alibaba Group have announced an expanded partnership to accelerate digital transformation through cloud computing and AI technologies.

By way of example, the pair intend to collaborate on exploring the potential of running Bosch’s intelligent driving environment on Alibaba Cloud’s AI infrastructure. 

Plans are also afoot to drive growth and innovation in e-commerce through expanded product portfolio, enhanced customer engagement, and optimised brand experience. In 2025, Bosch plans to launch new product categories in China with consumer insights from Alibaba’s e-commerce platform. Alibaba will also support Bosch in reaching a broader consumer base in China through omnichannel digital marketing. 

Based on the framework of collaboration in China, Bosch will extend its e-commerce footprint to Southeast Asia, Spain, and Latin America through e-commerce platforms including Lazada, Miravia and AliExpress.

Walmart and OpenAI

Walmart has been announced as a launch partner for OpenAI's new Jobs Platform and OpenAI Certifications initiatives, alongside John Deere, BCG, Accenture, Indeed, Texas Association of Business, and Bay Area Council & State of Delaware.

Beginning next year, US frontline and office-based associates will be able to tap into AI training. Through the Walmart Academy programme, employees will have free access to a tailored version of the aforementioned certification.

"We know the future of retail won’t be defined by technology alone - it will be defined by people who know how to use it. By bringing AI training directly to our associates, we’re putting the most powerful technology of our time in their hands - giving them the skills to rewrite the playbook and shape the future of retail," says John Furner, CEO at Walmart US.

Wing, Blue Bell and Walmart

Wing is partnering with Blue Bell Creameries and Walmart to offer a free taste of Blue Bell’s newest ice cream flavour, delivered directly to customers' doors via drone for a limited time. 

According to a press release: “Ice cream is a great way to experience the benefits of drone delivery. Orders arrive so quickly that we’re able to handle delicate items that are difficult to deliver by traditional means. Our average flight time from stores to customer homes is about four minutes, which means your ice cream will arrive frozen and ready to enjoy.”

Running through to 5th October, eligible customers in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex can get one free pint of the new Classic Pecan Pie through the Wing drone delivery app. There are no delivery fees, tips, or minimum purchase requirements, and this is available from 14 Walmart locations around the DFW area. 

Walmart

Walmart has launched the first limited edition bag charm in Walmart Realm: the Live Butter Plushie.

In a LinkedIn post, Justin Breton, Director of Brand Experiences & Strategy at Walmart., said: “Bag charms have become mini-identity statements, sitting at the intersection of fashion, nostalgia, and self-expression, and Walmart Realm is the perfect place to introduce ours.”

“Gated behind an immersive product discovery experience, the Plushie can be purchased in our newly introduced Hidden Room. Each month, a new Plushie, drawn from social trends and seasonal themes, will launch alongside a collector card, giving fans a reason to return, explore, and collect.”

He added: “The rise of bag charms is more than a quirky fashion fad. It’s a case study in how Gen Z is reshaping consumer culture: personalisation, collectability, and emotional resonance. For Walmart, it keeps younger consumers engaged and our brand visible in culture.”