VenHub Global goes for AI gold: our biggest retail tech articles on LinkedIn right now

We’re big fans of LinkedIn and are busy building an amazing community of retail tech enthusiasts on the social media platform. As we power towards the 30,000 followers mark, these are the articles that are currently on their radars, including osapiens, Pricer, East of England Co-op, Co-op, VST, Hanshow, Circle K, Quorso, JD Sports Fashion, commercetools, Stripe, and The Delivery Conference 2026.

Enterprise software firm osapiens secures $100 million in funding and bags unicorn status

osapiens has entered into an agreement for Decarbonization Partners, a joint venture between BlackRock and Temasek, to lead a $100 million Series C fundraising round, subject to regulatory approvals.

Decarbonization Partners will join existing investors Goldman Sachs Alternatives, which fronted a $120 million Series B in 2024, and Armira Growth, which headed up a $27 million Series A investment in 2023.

osapiens provides software that enables companies to manage regulatory compliance, sustainability, and operational efficiency across their entire value chain on a single platform. Customers include Coca-Cola North America, Lidl, Carrefour, and OTTO.

The proceeds from the latest investment will be used to accelerate product innovation and fuel growth in existing and new international markets.

"This investment is a strong validation of our strategy and our long-term vision," says Alberto Zamora, Co-CEO and Co-Founder at osapiens. "It demonstrates that sustainable growth and AI driven efficiency remain top priorities for global investors.”

“Decarbonization Partners is an exceptional partner for us. With a focus on sustainability and the combined global presence and investment expertise of BlackRock and Temasek, they bring exactly the perspective and scale we need for our next phase of growth to become the indisputable global category leader in sustainable growth for enterprises of all sizes."

JD Sports Fashion first retailer to use commercetools and Stripe AI technology

JD Sports Fashion is using commercetools’ Agentic Jumpstart solution and Stripe’s Agentic Commerce Suite (ACS), with the former’s AI Hub acting as the connective foundation for agentic workflows.

It is the first enterprise retailer to deploy the ACS, connecting LLM powered shopping to checkout and payments, without replatforming or added complexity.

Its customers in the US will be able to purchase directly through AI platforms including Copilot (Microsoft), Gemini (Google) and ChatGPT (OpenAI).

“This agreement places JD right at the forefront of AI commerce. We want to reach customers wherever shopping decisions are happening, and make it easy for them to complete a purchase,” says Regis Schultz, Group CEO at JD Sports Fashion.

“As AI becomes a real entry point for commerce, our partnership with commercetools and Stripe will allow customers using AI for searches to find and transact with JD quicker and easier, at the click of a button through those channels, without adding complexity to our operations. This strengthens our digital proposition for customers, and keeps us moving in line with the fast changing retail landscape.”

“We see AI as a real opportunity to improve our customers’ experience with JD, as well as making our own operations more efficient, and so I’m really pleased that with this big step forward we are putting our words into action.”

Kiran Sheena departs dunnhumby for B2B Marketing Director role at Nectar360

Kiran Sheena has joined Nectar360 as B2B Marketing Director. She was previously at dunnhumby where she spent almost three years, serving as Head of Client Marketing, Tesco Media & Insight Platform.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: "It's been an amazing timeworking at Tesco Media & Insight Platform , thank you to everyone who made it such a special time! With some career milestones like winning Media Brand of the Year at the Media Week Awards to incredible Tesco Media Upfronts but I've very happy to share that I’m starting a new position as B2B Marketing Director at Nectar360 - here's to an exciting 2026 ahead."

Nectar360 owns and operates Nectar, a UK loyalty programme. It manages Sainsbury’s shopper marketing services, utilising its insights and media expertise to connect the grocery giant's businesses, FMCG brands and their customers.

Circle K deploys Quorso Intelligent Management across North America stores

Quorso has announced the expansion of its partnership with Circle K to over 7,800 locations in the United States and Canada after a deployment across its European network last year. 

Quorso says that its Intelligent Management platform eliminates the complexity and overwhelm of too much data, too many tasks, and too many systems.

“Building on the success of our prior roll-out in Europe and a successful pilot in North America, we’re pleased to expand Quorso across our US and Canadian networks,” says Hélène Drolet, Vice President of Operational Excellence, North America at Circle K.

“This powerful tool is helping our store managers save time, act on data driven insights, and identify opportunities that make the biggest difference for our customers and our business. We’re looking forward to Quorso helping our store teams to enhance the in-store experience, deliver on our commitment to be fast, friendly, and customer ready and, ultimately, unlock new growth for our business.”

Co-op launches direct planogram data access for suppliers through VST platform

VST has announced a new partnership with Co-op to give the convenience retailer’s branded suppliers direct access to its planogram data through the Planogram Publisher platform.

This will be trialled for four weeks with five suppliers, and then rolled out across the Co-op supplier estate. It comes from the retailer’s newly formed Group Commercial and Logistics division.

“For years, planogram data has been an underused asset in retail,” says Nick Theodore, CEO and Founder, VST. “We’re excited to announce our launch of Planogram Publisher in partnership with Co-op. It’s a big step forward in making Co-op’s planogram data available to their most strategic CPG partners to unlock category growth across their stores.”

Tom Bradley, Commercial Director, Co-op, says: “As the leading UK convenience retailer, our aim is to run the best small shops providing quality products and great value for our members and customers, and to do that we need cutting edge processes and data access behind the shelf edge.”

“This new partnership will give brands direct sight of planogram data which will remove friction, and create transparency, enabling smarter conversations and more agile execution.”

Former Auchan Retail France CEO Philippe Brochard joins retail technology firm Hanshow

Philippe Brochard has joined Hanshow, a provider of digital store technology, such as electronic shelf tags and IoT solutions, as Chairman of its advisory committee.

In a LinkedIn post, Hanshow said: “As the former CEO of Auchan Retail France, Brochard brings over 20 years of strategic leadership experience across major international industrial and retail organisations, including Renault, Alstom Transport, and Auchan Group.”

“His appointment marks a significant milestone for Hanshow, strengthening our governance and underlining our commitment to advancing innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable development in the retail sector.”

It added: “Renowned for his visionary approach to the evolving retail landscape, Brochard will provide invaluable strategic counsel on our global growth and innovation initiatives, guiding our strategic thinking on the future of stores, data, and technologies to elevate customer experience. We warmly welcome him to Hanshow as we embark on this next chapter of digital, responsible, and performance driven retail together.” 

Brochard said: "Serving as Chairman of the advisory committee aligns perfectly with my ambition to support technology companies that are fundamentally rethinking retail models. Hanshow plays a pivotal role in transforming physical stores by combining technological innovation, economic performance, and sustainability."

Pricer partners with East of England Co-op in UK for first Avenue platform pilot

Pricer reports completion of its first pilot installation of Pricer Avenue, a communications platform delivering shelf-edge digital experiences, in partnership with East of England Co-op, a 120-store grocery retailer operating in the UK.

The pilot was deployed across high value in-store zones and builds on East of England Co-op’s use of Pricer electronic shelf labels (ESLs).

Pricer Avenue adds a larger format displays, powered shelf-edge layer that extends ESL functionality beyond pricing, with the aim of supporting clearer communication, more effective promotions, and richer in-aisle communication at the point of decision.

“Avenue is bringing new energy to our key promotional areas. It’s a big step toward delivering a store experience that’s ready for the future,” says Rob Smith, Technology Officer at East of England Co-op.

“The new shared Floating Canvas feature opens up fresh ways to talk to customers. It lets us highlight specific products, deliver rich brand storytelling and drive promotional engagement - right at the shelf edge.”

VenHub Global shines bright at RTIH AI in Retail Awards as company bags five nominations

VenHub Global is in the running for five trophies at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, which will take place in London later this month: AI and Physical Stores, Best Use of AI in Customer Service, AI and Payments, Digital Transformation Project of the Year, and Most Innovative Retailer.

The US-based company is focusing on bricks and mortar retail with the fully autonomous Smart Store, designed for 24/7 operation, zero on-site staff, and maximum efficiency.

Its modular units combine AI, robotics, and robotics arms to eliminate labour costs, reduce shrinkage, and operate in high traffic or underserved areas where traditional retail fails. Four Initial deployments across California include a landmark store at LAX Airport/Metro Transit Center and one at the Hollywood Bowl.

TDC 2026 announces agenda, key speakers, and closing keynote Richard Ayoade

Metapack and ShipStation have announced the return of The Delivery Conference (TDC) 2026, taking place on 2nd–3rd February at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London.

“TDC 2026 is focused firmly on the future,” says Al Ko, CEO at Auctane, Metapack and ShipStation’s parent company. “As delivery becomes more intelligent, AI and data are fundamental to how retailers scale and compete for customers with increasingly high expectations.”

“This year’s programme explores how predictive intelligence, automation, and real-time decision making are actively reshaping everything from fulfilment and last mile operations to customer promise and profitability. TDC 2026 is designed to empower today’s leading brands to move beyond experimentation and embed intelligence in the areas of their businesses that will lead to tangible impact.”

TDC  2026 opens on 2nd February with customer user groups and a welcome reception, followed by the full-day main conference on 3rd February. The programme features 20+ sessions on technology, sustainability, customer experience, and cross-border delivery, including keynotes, panels, AI driven showcases, and workshops.

The day concludes with a closing party featuring live music and a performance from X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke.

Former Sainsbury's Transformation Director Nigel Blunt lands at TCS

Nigel Blunt has stepped into the role of Managing Partner for the EMEA Retail Strategic Initiatives Consulting Practice at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

Blunt spent almost eight years at Sainsbury’s, serving as the UK grocery giant’s Transformation Director. He has also worked at Argos, holding the role of Head of Operations Development.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “In this position, I’ll be working closely with retail leaders across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to shape strategic initiatives that drive transformation at scale. Our focus will be on enabling intelligent enterprises, modernising value chains, and unlocking growth through data, automation, and AI powered decision making.”

He added: “After years of leading transformation journeys and growing retail businesses globally, I’m thrilled to help drive innovation with such an impressive team. My focus will be on unlocking value across retail operations, from merchandising and marketing to supply chain, stores, and digital experiences.”

Retail is at a pivotal moment, Blunt believes, arguing that success will come from bold strategies, empowered teams, and technology led reinvention. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with visionary leaders to build what’s next for the industry.”

He concluded: “I’m deeply grateful for the hands on learning and diverse experiences I’ve gained working with retailers throughout my career. I look forward to building on that knowledge and sharing fresh perspectives with like minded retail leaders.”