Drones in New Jersey and John Lewis on TikTok Shop: last week’s biggest tech plays at a glance
RTIH rounds up the stand out retail technology deals, launches, deployments and pilots from the past seven days. Including Levi's, Studenac market, Instaleap, Grubhub, Waitrose, NorgesGruppen, StrongPoint, Ocado, VenHub Global, Royal Mail, and Tesco.
Levi's
SCAYLE reports a deal that will make it the global e-commerce platform for levi.com across the US, Canada, and Europe.
Tobias Ring, Managing Director at SCAYLE, says: “With Levi’s, we’re welcoming one of the world’s most iconic brands to SCAYLE. This partnership is a strong signal of our growth ambitions in the US and demonstrates the strength of our enterprise commerce technology for leading fashion and lifestyle brands globally. Together, we’re setting a new standard for seamless, scalable, and customer centric digital experiences, preparing Levi’s business for the next era of digital retail.”
Implementation is underway, with key site migrations expected to begin in 2026 and continue into 2027.
Jason Keinath, Vice President of Product Management and UX at Levi Strauss & Co., says: “Over the past several years, we’ve been rewiring Levi’s to operate as a best-in-class, direct-to-consumer first retailer, grounded in a deep understanding of how and where our fans want to engage with us.”
“With SCAYLE, we’ve found a partner that brings a deep understanding of fashion, enabling us to build a modern, AI powered e-commerce platform that will further elevate the levi.com experience while best showcasing our full head-to-toe denim lifestyle offering. Together, we’re creating a differentiated brand experience that only Levi’s can deliver.”
Fareway
Grocery technology company, Instacart, has announced a partnership with Fareway, a US Midwest grocer with more than 140 stores.
As part of the tie up, Fareway is launching an online shopping experience powered by Storefront Pro, Instacart's enterprise commerce platform. Orders are also now available for pickup through the Instacart Marketplace with no markups.
"We're proud to support a trusted, community first retailer like Fareway as they enter their next chapter of digital growth," says Ryan Hamburger, Vice President, Commercial Partnerships at Instacart.
"With their adoption of our enterprise commerce platform and commitment to no‑markup pricing, Fareway is not only strengthening their digital competitiveness, but also accelerating online sales growth and customer loyalty."
"We are excited to reach new customers already shopping on Instacart by joining the Instacart Marketplace and to offer more convenience to our existing customers with the launch of our updated Shop.Fareway.com experience," says Mike McCormick, Chief Retail Officer at Fareway. "This partnership allows us to deliver the same great Fareway service and value our customers expect in store, now with an improved online experience."
KDS
Exotec, a warehouse robotics specialist, reports an automation deployment with Komar Distribution Services (KDS), the 3PL and division of Komar.
KDS is set to equip its 760,000 square foot facility in Savannah, Georgia, USA with Exotec’s Skypod robotic system and an end-to-end automation solution. The site is designed to support growth in D2C volume across apparel, home goods, and consumer products brands, including Komar owned labels such as Cuddl Duds and Le Mystère, alongside 3PL clients.
“Our customers are growing fast and expect us to grow with them,” says Tyler Harris, President at KDS. “We needed a scalable solution built for speed, density, and adaptability. Exotec gives us the ability to process orders in minutes, maximise our footprint, and operate efficiently even in an unpredictable environment.”
Studenac market
Studenac market has partnered with Instaleap, which offers a suite of e-commerce, fulfillment and delivery software solutions.
In a LinkedIn post, Instaleap said: “As Croatia’s largest retail network with over 1,300 stores, this marks a major strategic partnership to power their quick commerce operations in Europe.”
“By natively orchestrating their Glovo order picking, we’re proud to support the Studenac team in driving speed and accuracy, optimizing operational costs, and ultimately enhancing the experience and satisfaction of customers ordering groceries from Studenac through the Glovo app. Congratulations to our team and to Studenac on this exciting new chapter.”
JoJo Maman Bébé
JoJo Maman Bébé, an omnichannel maternity wear and baby clothing retailer, has chosen Datitude as its data partner.
In a LinkedIn post, Datitude said: “We’re working together to simplify and unify JoJo Maman Bébé’s data - powering its business wide reporting so the teams can spend less time wrestling with data and more time using reports they trust.”
Phase one of the tie up will be live imminently, and work is underway on phase two. Datitude concluded: “Welcome, JoJo Maman Bébé, to our family of retail clients. It's a pleasure working with you.”
Pretty You London
Galvia AI reports that it has added Pretty You London as a customer.
In a LinkedIn post, it said: “Pretty You London - part of the Pretty Amazin Group - is a brand known for its commitment to quality, comfort, and thoughtful design. As the business continues to scale, the team recognised the importance of having a unified, intelligent view of performance to support faster, clearer decision‑making across the organisation. That’s why we’re so proud to partner with them on their data transformation journey.”
Pretty You London’s Director of Brand & Creative, Danni Bramall, commented: "Partnering with Galvia AI marks an important step in strengthening how we harness data across Pretty Amazin Group.”
“As we continue to grow, having a single, connected view of performance will be key to helping us operate with greater clarity and alignment across the business. Through the Galvia platform, we’re looking forward to bringing our data together in a more meaningful way, transforming information that currently sits across different systems into actionable insight.”
She added: “We’re particularly interested in how AI powered predictions and intelligent prompts can help us anticipate trends, identify areas requiring attention, and uncover new opportunities for growth. This partnership represents an exciting move forward for us as a brand as we start to reposition our offering and in our digital journey, and we’re excited to work alongside the Galvia team as we unlock the full potential of our data."
Grubhub
Grubhub and Dexa have announced a three-month pilot involving food delivery services via drones to customers in Green Brook, New Jersey.
In a LinkedIn post, Grubhub said: “This marks the first time commercial food delivery by drone will be available in the state and our first time offering drone delivery, thanks to our fully integrated programme with Dexa (Drone Express), launching 18th March at Wonder's Green Brook location.”
Customers within 2.5 miles will have the option to select drone delivery at no additional cost, enabled by Dexa’s DE‑2020 aircraft, one of only a handful of FAA Part 135 Air Carrier certified drone systems operating in the US.
“This initiative represents an important step toward advancing safe, efficient, and scalable last mile logistics,” Grubhub added.
Waitrose
Waitrose has partnered with AI solutions specialist Satalia as it looks to optimise online delivery routes.
The aim here is to better plan delivery schedules, reduce travel times, and minimise fuel consumption across its fleet.
“Delivering the best possible experience for our customers has always been at the heart of what we do,” says James Lee, Head of Fulfilment at Waitrose “Working with Satalia allows us to offer even greater convenience, while taking another important step toward our goal of reducing emissions and operating more sustainably.”
“By harnessing AI powered technology, we can now offer customers more precise and convenient delivery times while significantly reducing our environmental impact. This is a brilliant example of how technology can help us deliver on our promises of both exceptional service and sustainability” said Pav Kalia, Head of Change Delivery and Technology.
Amazon Australia
Amazon Australia has announced plans to invest more than AU$750 million building a new robotics fulfillment centre capable of processing over 125 million packages per year.
Targeted for completion in 2028, the site in Brisbane, Queensland will cover 150,000 square metres across four levels, with a floor size equivalent to 120 Olympic swimming pools.
It will have the capacity to house up to 15 million of the smaller items sold on Amazon.com.au such as pantry staples, beauty products, electronics and toys. When operating at full capacity, the site will have the ability to process over 125 million packages per year.
“People are at the heart of our operations, and by combining innovative robotics technology with skilled local talent in this state-of-the-art site, we’re building a workplace where people and technology work hand in hand to deliver for our customers,” says Wayne Angus, Amazon Australia’s Director of Operations. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to Queensland customers and our confidence in the state’s growing economy.”
Lidl GB
Lidl GB reports that it has made the move to Google Workspace.
In a LInkedIn post, Sandra Heydorn, Head of Service and Support at Lidl UK, said: “I am not one to post anything anywhere really, but today is special. I am incredibly proud to announce that Lidl GB has successfully completed our migration from Microsoft to Google Workspace.”
She added: “As the Project Manager for this transition, seeing a year of hard work culminate in such a smooth "Go-Live" is an absolute highlight. This wasn't just a technical switch; it was a massive cultural shift toward a more collaborative and agile future for our teams.”
CDS Superstores
CDS Superstores (The Range, wilko, Homebase and Bathstore), a home, leisure and garden retailer, has selected RELEX Solutions to deliver forecasting and replenishment across its store and distribution network.
CDS operates more than 285 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland, managing approximately 65,000 SKUs across 16 departments including homeware, furniture, DIY, cleaning and garden supplies.
It says that RELEX’s AI driven platform will provide enhanced visibility across stores and distribution centres, enabling more accurate demand forecasting and replenishment planning.
The system forecasts demand at store level, incorporating localised patterns and trends, and aligns this with distribution centre and supplier planning to ensure stock is positioned efficiently across the network. The move supports CDS’s evolving regional distribution model, with the aim of providing greater agility and control as the business expands its store footprint and distribution capacity.
“As we continue to grow, investing in technology that strengthens our supply chain is essential,” says Alex Simpkin, CEO, CDS Superstores. “RELEX gives us enhanced visibility and smarter forecasting across our network, helping us ensure the right products are available for our customers at the right time. This is an important step in building the operational resilience and scalability required to support our long-term growth ambitions.”
InPost UK
InPost UK has partnered with JD Sports Fashion and Nike for the return of the Nike Air Max 95 OG 'Neon'.
In a LinkedIn post, the parcel lockers specialist said: “Big moment for trainer culture and lockers. Using our lockers, we helped turn the drop into a real-world experience - giving fans the chance to unlock special lockers in key JD Sports stores and reveal prizes, including pairs of the legendary Neons.”
Social content featuring Louis Theroux, Angry Ginge and TheBovBoys helped bring the campaign to life, as they received their own mystery locker drops and shared their reactions with fans.
InPost UK added: “The activation showed how everyday infrastructure can become part of culture, bridging online storytelling with real-world experiences and giving fans a new way to connect with one of trainer history’s most iconic silhouettes. A huge thank you to the teams at JD and Nike for an incredible collaboration.”
Limited Space
OOH media specialist Limited Space has completed the North East phase of its nationwide digital transformation programme, unveiling new high resolution, large format LED screens at Metrocentre and Eldon Square.
This is part of the company’s 2026 investment strategy, following recent upgrades at flagship destinations Manchester Arndale, Bluewater and Bullring.
Metrocentre, Gateshead - the largest shopping centre in the North East and one of the UK’s largest overall - spans approximately two million square feet and hosts more than 300 stores. Eldon Square, located in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, offers around 1.4 million square feet of retail space and over 150 brands. Collectively, the two destinations attract more than 40 million visits annually.
TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop has launched a Fine Art category, marking the first time original art has been sold directly through the platform.
To launch this, it has hosted its first ever LIVE fine art sale featuring artist, Sophie Tea. During the interactive session, Tea debuted a 20-piece collection of original oil paintings priced at £2,800 each, while completing one painting live on the platform.
Marco Spaducci, Head of Home & Living at TikTok Shop UK, says: "TikTok Shop is built on discovery commerce - where community, creativity and purchase come together seamlessly.”
“The launch of our Fine Art category expands the platform into high value, collectable goods, demonstrating how discovery commerce can support premium products and build trust with both creators and audiences. We’re proud to host our first ever LIVE fine art sale with Sophie Tea, whose direct-to-community approach reflects the evolving creator economy and how artists can engage audeinces in new ways.”
NorgesGruppen
StrongPoint has announced an agreement with Norwegian grocery retailer NorgesGruppen involving its proprietary cash management solution CashGuard. The value of the deal is approximately NOK 120 million. Roll-out starts in 2026 and is expected to end in 2028.
NorgesGruppen is Norway’s largest grocery retailer by market share and runs approximately 2,000 stores across multiple brands throughout the country.
The agreement covers product replacements in some of its stores where the existing CashGuard units have reached the end of their life, while many other locations continue to use the same solutions that are still within their life cycle.
“This agreement highlights that grocery retail is a highly resilient industry that continues to invest in technology,” says Jacob Tveraabak, CEO at StrongPoint.
”It also demonstrates that even in markets such as Norway, where cash usage is among the lowest in Europe, grocery retailers still see clear operational benefits from cash automation as part of their store operations. We are particularly proud to continue supporting NorgesGruppen, one of our most long standing customers.”
Ocado
Mondra, an AI powered platform delivering product level intelligence for food supply chains, reports that Ocado has become its first customer to fully integrate its product lifecycle management system, Click-PLM, with the Mondra carbon accounting and management platform.
The integration enables automated, product level Scope 3 emissions accounting across Ocado’s food retail operations, connecting live product and volume data directly into its carbon reporting processes.
It can now track changes in its product portfolio dynamically and use carbon data to support sustainability decision-making more efficiently.
Laura Fernandez, Senior Sustainability Manager at Ocado, comments, “Integrating our product lifecycle data with Mondra allows us to automate key elements of our Scope 3 emissions accounting and better understand how changes in our product portfolio affect our carbon footprint. This supports more informed decision-making as we continue to develop our sustainability approach.”
Frette
Proximity has announced a new partnership with Frette, an Italian luxury home furnishings brand.
As it grows globally, it was looking for a partner that could help its store teams better understand their customers and deliver a more personal experience.
Through its partnership with Proximity, it says it will bring customer information into one clear view. This gives teams a better understanding of each customer's history with the brand – from how often they shop, to how much they typically spend – helping conversations feel more informed.
Proximity's clienteling platform also supports Frette's international footprint, enabling teams across countries to work consistently, while still reflecting local needs.
Royal Mail and Tesco
Royal Mail has launched a new parcel locker trial at selected Tesco stores across the UK, enabling people to collect, send and return parcels 24/7.
The six-month trial will see lockers installed outside Tesco stores, enabling customers to access them at any time. The first of these are now live at stores in: Ashby-de-la-Zouch; Barrow; Burnham-on-Sea; Bury; Cullompton; Horwich; March; and Preston.
Royal Mail lockers feature label printing, with the aim of making the process convenient for customers who do not have access to a printer. To use them, people need to pay for postage online and get a QR code or request a QR code if they are returning a purchase.
Royal Mail now has 25,000 locations where customers can drop off and collect parcels, including 2,600 lockers, 11,500 Post Office branches, 8,000 Royal Mail Shop outlets, 1,200 Royal Mail Customer Service Points and 1,400 parcel postboxes. The company also delivers to and collects from every address across the UK.
John Lewis
John Lewis is investing in AI powered shopping and says it wants to become one of the first UK retailers to fully adopt and integrate the technology.
The move will see its products served to customers looking for inspiration on AI platforms like Google Gemini and ChatGPT, starting later this year. John Lewis has extended its partnership with commercetools, a digital commerce platform, to utilise its new AI capabilities.
It has also launched on TikTok Shop. Initially a 90-day pilot timed to help with Mother’s Day gifting, the trial focuses on a curated edit of beauty and gifting items, instantly shoppable through the platform. This includes a final drop of its Mother’s Day Beauty Box, featuring a collection of beauty products from brands including Jo Malone London, Augustinus Bader and Estee Lauder.
VenHub Global
VenHub Global reports that it has agreements with multiple independent operators for the deployment of six new Smart Store locations across the Las Vegas metropolitan area. These will be installed throughout the year.
The stores operate 24 hours a day without on-site staff and combine robotics, AI driven inventory management, and mobile first checkout. The upcoming Las Vegas deployments will be located in high traffic, easily accessible environments and will feature a curated mix of everyday essentials, snacks, beverages, and travel friendly products tailored to local demand.
“Retail is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history,” says Shahan Ohanessian, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at VenHub. “Consumers expect convenience, speed, and access at all hours. Unlike traditional retail infrastructure which has never been able to address this demand, our stores are built to solve this problem.”
“Our Smart Stores deliver a new kind of retail platform that operates continuously, adapts to demand, and removes many of the operational constraints that have limited traditional retail for decades.”
Ohanessian adds: “Las Vegas is the perfect environment to showcase the benefits autonomous retail can deliver to operators and consumers. It is a city that operates around the clock and serves millions of travelers every year. Expanding in Las Vegas will allow us to continue demonstrating how our Smart Stores are meeting real-world demand while providing operators with a reliable, modern retail platform.”
University of California, Irvine
In a LinkedIn post, it said: "Big news from UC Irvine Dining. Our team opened the first Quick Eats store - a hassle free, contactless, walk in, walk out campus market experience - in the West Region. Located in the Bren Events Center, it will serve guests during games, concerts, commencements, and more."
It added: "This launch showcases strong collaboration across the campus community and marks the beginning of UC Irvine Dining’s continued efforts to enhance locations and elevate the guest experience through smart, innovative technology."
Noah Donnenfield, Tech Business Developer Manager - Sports & Entertainment, JWO, AWS Applied AI Solutions, said: "Anteater fans, concert goers, and events will now enjoy seamless F&B access. More and more NCAA mix use venues are expanding Just Walk Out technology to satisfy their fans and remain operationally competitive."
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