AI becomes central to M&S technology transformation: these are the biggest retail stories from March

March is done and dusted, April is up and running, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful month for the retail technology space. Here's your briefing on the most important stories from March, including VenHub Global, RTS 2026, Zalando, Nomagic, Co-op, VoCoVo, StrongPoint, Iceland Foods, AiFi, Boxbar Tech, Groupe Dynamite, and Manhattan Associates.

1. M&S purchases 11,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licences to equip employees with AI and Agentic AI tools

M&S reports that it is giving its store managers and support centre colleagues AI and Agentic AI tools, with the aim of making tasks like accessing data and analysis quicker and simpler, freeing up time to focus on customers and colleagues.

The retailer is purchasing 11,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licences, supported by a training and development programme. A partnership with Microsoft is supporting the use of AI at scale across the organisation.

M&S CEO Stuart Machin says: “We’re already embedding AI across M&S - supporting stock forecasting and ordering, generating marketing materials, and powering a colleague help hub with AI agents. Now 11,000 colleagues will have AI support at their fingertips, pulling together summaries from multiple sources and giving them the data, analytics and insights they need in seconds.”

“As we reshape M&S for growth, scaling the use of AI is central to our technology transformation and today's announcement is just one of the steps forward on that journey."

2. Circa Resort & Casino and VenHub Global team on first of its kind autonomous store deployment

VenHub Global and Circa Resort & Casino have announced a partnership that will bring the former’s autonomous smart store offering to the latter’s guests. Measuring 66 feet x 10 feet by 10 feet, the installation will debut at Circa Resort later this spring.

Circa will introduce what is pitched as a first of its kind retail attraction comprised of three VenHub autonomous smart stores customised into a single, integrated, and continuously operating solution.

This will give guests the ability to autonomously browse and purchase food, snacks, alcohol, and smokeless tobacco products at any hour, without wait times, checkout lines etc.

“We’re always looking for ways to stay on the forefront of what’s next and deliver experiences our guests can’t find anywhere else,” says Derek Stevens, Founder and CEO, Circa Resort & Casino.

“This is more than a retail concept, it is a one of a kind attraction that brings together cutting-edge technology, convenience, and entertainment in a way that’s unique to Circa. Just like Stadium Swim and The World’s Largest Sportsbook, this is about creating a true destination moment, and we’re excited to partner with VenHub to introduce something entirely new to Las Vegas.”

3. Vusion, Duvo and PervasID among 2026 Retail Technology Show Innovation Awards finalists

Retail Technology Show (RTS) has revealed the shortlist for its 2026 Innovation Awards, which celebrate standout solutions from across the event, taking place next month in London.

Handpicked by a judging panel including retail influencer Andrew Busby, Retail Disrupted podcast host Natalie Berg, retail consultant Oliver Banks and IGD analyst Toby Pickard, the shortlist highlights solutions from across the RTS showfloor which track ahead of the hype curve. 

Shortlist as follows:

Cloz (stand #K10): Agentic AI styling engine, Cloz curates shoppable looks based on intent and customer context to build confidence into fashion buying journeys. Integrated directly into retailers’ e-commerce platforms, it helps boost conversions and AOV while reducing returns.

Duvo (stand #SU21): Duvo is an AI workforce solution which streamlines retail operations, closing the gap and the information flow between systems to speed up execution.

Motorola Solutions (stand #Q20): Shortlisted for its Theatro Communication Platform, which digitally connects shop staff, area managers and retail leaders to enhance performance. The solution’s in-built voice assistant speeds up onboarding, as well as enhancing CX, improving workflows and supporting employee experience.

Ocasta (stand #E40): Frontline operations platform, Ocasta replaces guesswork with real-time knowledge and insight by connecting the head office with shop floor teams, delivering targeted operational communications to improve store performance.

PervasID (stand #P20): RFID solution PervasID’s TrackMaster 3X delivers near-100% item accuracy and 1-metre location accuracy in complex retail environments. It converts RFID data into actionable insights that increase sales, improve stock visibility, reduce shrink, and optimise omnichannel fulfilment.

ProGlove (stand #L38): Its AI powered wearable solution, MAI, is a hands free companion that supports frontline staff directly in their workflow. Featuring an integrated AI voice assistant, it improves efficiency, reduces errors and enhances safety in logistics, production and retail environments.

Retail Advantage (stand #W98): Retail intelligence platform, Retail Advantage Insights, uses data to improve performance and communication between brands and landlords. With accurate, real-time insights, it provides augmented analytics allowing brands to unlock greater value from their data.

Sony (stand #E45): Spatial Reality Display (SRD) technology from Sony delivers lifelike stereoscopic 3D without the need for glasses or headsets, redefining immersive visual displays. It also reduces reliance on printed or physical displays within VM, promoting more sustainable store and retail design practices.

Vusion (stand #P10): Selected for its EdgeSense AI operating system, which connects more than 250million endpoints globally, it uses ESLs, AI cameras and sensors to power one intelligent network. Vusion’s platform automates pricing, optimises merchandising, improves inventory accuracy and reduces shrink.

YOOBIC (stand #V10): The frontline employee experience platform was shortlisted for its YOOBIC Hub solution, which turns communication into execution by unifying knowledge, communities and tasks on one central system.

4. Zalando preps roll-out of 50 AI powered Nomagic robots across European fulfilment centres

Zalando is deploying up to 50 AI driven Nomagic robots across its European fulfilment network. The units, named Richard, specialise in item level picking, scanning, and induction into automated pocket sorters.

Using Nomagic’s AI and computer vision, the robots recognise materials and shapes to adjust their grip in real-time. By continuously learning and adapting to shifting inventory, the technology will play a key role in managing the vast, high rotation assortment of fashion and lifestyle products within Zalando’s fulfilment centres.

“The testing phase with Nomagic proved that their robotics are an excellent fit for Zalando's logistics centres. Following the quick and successful deployment of the first ten units, we have decided to scale our partnership, gradually rolling out more robots as our network evolves,” says Marcus Daute, Vice President Logistics Network at Zalando.

“The sheer scale of our operations demands smart automation that works with our people, not alongside them. By delegating simple processes to AI powered robots, we achieve the operational excellence our customers and business partners expect while supporting employees’ growth.”

5. Co-op boosts colleague communication and safety with latest VoCoVo headset technology

VoCoVo, a retail communications specialist, has announced a new five-year partnership with convenience retailer Co-op, which will see its Series 5 (S5) Pro Headsets deployed to more than 2,300 stores nationwide.

Following a pilot across 114 stores, full roll-out commenced in February and is expected to be concluded next year. Co-op has worked with VoCoVo since 2017 and is upgrading its existing headset devices as part of a long-term investment in its in-store technology.

By enabling instant communication within stores and with Co-op’s Support Centre, the retailer says that teams can respond more quickly to customer needs, whether answering enquiries or requests for assistance, checking stock availability, managing parcel collections or handling online orders.

6. Aldi UK ditches Greenwich, South East London Shop & Go checkout-free store experiment

Aldi UK is binning its checkout-free stores trial and converting its only Shop & Go location to a standard Aldi Local with self-service.

The store in Greenwich, South East London went live in 2022 at a time when checkout-free stores were being touted by many industry observers as the next big thing in retail. But the technology never really took off in the UK, with high profile failures including Amazon ditching its ambitious Just Walk Out technology powered Amazon Fresh experiment, just four years after the US online giant launched its first grocery store in London.

An Aldi spokesperson said: “Whilst our Shop & Go trial has now come to an end as planned, our Greenwich High Road store will remain open as an Aldi Local, ensuring customers can still get everything they need at unbeatable Aldi prices.”

7. UK retailer John Lewis taps TikTok Shop and AI platforms like Google Gemini and ChatGPT

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. 

8. Autonomous market goes live at Co-op Live arena powered by AiFi and Boxbar Tech solutions

Co-op Live, an indoor arena in Manchester, England, sited in the Etihad Campus next to the City of Manchester Stadium, has launched an autonomous market powered by AiFi’s spatial intelligence platform and Boxbar Tech’s self-serve beverage technology.

Built in partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), this has been engineered to maximise speed, throughput and convenience during peak event times. Located in Vertu Place on Level 00 inside Co-op Live, it features four entry gates and a frictionless checkout experience.

Pitched as Europe’s first fully frictionless, autonomous self-serve market, the location allows people to tap their card to enter, grab hot food, grab-and-go items and draught drinks from Boxbar Tech’s automated self-serve bar installation. There are queues, no tills, and no waiting.

Michalis Fragkiadakis, SVP of Hospitality Strategy, OVG International, says: “Co-op Live was designed to lead the way in how a modern arena can operate, and this new autonomous market is a powerful example of that ambition in action.”

“By integrating AiFi and Boxbar Tech’s technologies, we’re delivering a food and beverage experience that is faster, smarter and far more seamless for fans. It reflects Oak View Group’s commitment to redefining the standards of venue hospitality across all of our properties, and we’re proud to see Co-op Live setting the benchmark for what the future of service can look like.”

9. Groupe Dynamite taps Manhattan Associates technology for Garage Clothing Oxford Street store

Fashion retailer Groupe Dynamite has opened a flagship store on Oxford Street, London, powered by Manhattan Associates technology.

In a LinkedIn post, David Stevens, Chief Technology Officer at Groupe Dynamite, said: "Another big milestone achieved in our journey. Today (Friday, 27th March) we opened up our Garage Clothing UK flagship on Oxford Street."

"The store looks fantastic and I'm excited about the technology that the team installed in the store including two storey video screens, Manhattan Associates mobile checkout, RFID to track inventory in real-time and more. A fantastic job by the store opening team, easily the best in the business! Looking forward to visiting the store at the end of April when I speak at Retail Technology Show 2026."

10. Grocery technology provider StrongPoint inks Order Picking deal with UK retailer Iceland Foods

StrongPoint reports that British retailer Iceland Foods has signed an agreement to trial its SaaS based Order Picking solution to fulfil all grocery e commerce orders, including both scheduled deliveries and quick commerce orders.

The project will begin with a planned proof of value phase in 2026, with a broader roll-out to follow subject to satisfactory results of the proof of value phase.

“We are extremely proud that another major grocery retailer has chosen StrongPoint for its grocery e‑commerce operations. It is a strong validation of our world class Order Picking solution, and we are proud to support Iceland Foods. We look forward to delivering efficiency savings to the grocery retailer and helping them grow their e‑commerce business while providing simpler operations for their store staff,” says Jacob Tveraabak, CEO at StrongPoint.