Footasylum goes large and Aldi expands Stateside: presenting the retail technology week in numbers

Do you like numbers? Do you like retail tech news? Then this is the article for you. Including Hasbro, Worldpay, RTS 2026, New Look, M&S, Nordstrom, Edikted, Argos, Costa Coffee, VoCoVo, Scotmid Co-op, Manna Air Delivery, Sona, and boohoo.

90%...Scotmid Co-op is rolling out assisted/hybrid checkout solutions as the convenience retailer looks to improve loss prevention and reduce theft (walk-offs).

The investment in its store tech and checkout solutions from 4POS has also reduced checkout friction for customers, with dual screens allowing colleagues to step in and offer assistance to reduce shopper wait times, minimise queues and support sales. 

The roll-out is now live in 90% of its Food stores (~160 stores) as well as locations across its discount health and beauty brand, Semichem (~63 stores). 

“We were particularly impressed by the modular approach,” says Allan Robertson, Procurement & Sustainability Manager at Scotmid Co-op.

“The fact that the same core hardware could be used across traditional tills and self-checkout solutions created real flexibility, allowing us to model different store configurations and future-proof the estate. The relationship developed quickly, and from the outset it felt like a partnership and a joined up team.”

600,000...TMX Transform, a supply chain consultancy, has supported a new distribution centre in Midway, Ga. USA, for Hasbro.

Hasbro engaged the company to identify and implement a right sized DC solution with the goal of optimising storage utilisation and consolidating multiple business segments into a single facility.

Located in Liberty County, Ga., less than an hour from Savannah, Ga., the new 600,000-square-foot facility supports Hasbro’s omnichannel distribution capabilities across North America. 

“Opening our new Midway DC marks an important step in strengthening our distribution network, improving operational efficiency, and better supporting retail partners and consumers across the country,” says Colin Regnier, Senior Vice President, Global Planning and Logistics at Hasbro. “We are proud to partner with TMX Transform, whose expertise helped ensure the facility was ready for operations and supported a smooth transition with minimal disruption.”

$50 million…Manna Air Delivery, a specialist in consumer drone delivery, has announced a $50 million funding round to expand its operations in the United States and Europe.

This brings its total funding to $110 million. Manna lays claim to one of the most active consumer drone delivery networks in the world, with more than 250,000 regulated commercial UAV flights completed.

Investors in the round include ARK Invest, known for backing companies such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Tesla and SpaceX, the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and Schooner Capital, alongside existing supporters Coca-Cola HBC and Molten Ventures.

$4.1 trillion...American shoppers remain attached to plastic, even as younger generations are swapping physical wallets for digital.

That’s according to a report from Global Payments’ Worldpay business, showing that, while 71% of US in-store spending remains anchored to physical plastic, a generational shift is forcing a $4.1 trillion evolution of the retail checkout counter.

This provides a window into the future of US retail through 2030, and illustrates that as Gen Z’s spending power matures, US digital wallet spending will surge 64% by 2030.  

Additional key insights from the report include:

• Direct card usage in the US is forecast to fall across all channels by 2030 - dropping from 71% to 64% in-store and from 49% to 43% online - as consumers increasingly migrate to digital wallets.

• Digital wallets are already the go-to online payment choice for 39% of 18–24-year-olds and 41% of 25–34-year-olds.

• US spending through digital wallets is projected to grow 10% annually across both online and in-store channels over the next five years.

• Use of payment apps in stores is forecast to grow 135% faster than overall global PoS growth, highlighting the urgent need for merchants to modernise legacy systems.

• The US remains an outlier in card usage (49% of online spending) compared to markets like APAC, where digital wallets already dominate with a 77% share.

54%...As competition from ultra-cheap e-commerce players like Temu and Shein continues to intensify, consumers want the playing field to be levelled up, showing their support for home grown retailers, according to research from Retail Technology Show (RTS).

Its survey of over 1,000 UK shoppers revealed that 54% believe the government should bring in changes to the de minimis threshold to stop cheap e-commerce products flooding the UK market.  

This rises to 68% of Gen Z - the very audience that index highest for Temu and Shein purchases. Eight in ten Gen Z consumers in the UK shop on Chinese marketplaces, while 41% make at least one purchase on Shein a month - more than twice that of older generations (16%).

“There’s no denying that the lure of ultra-low-priced goods will appeal to squeezed consumers as downward pressure on household budgets continues to suppress spending. But while consumers want access to competitively priced goods, they also want to support home grown retail brands,” says Matt Bradley, Founder & Event Director at RTS.

“Consumers are increasingly calling for the playing field to be levelled up to ensure the ongoing health of the retail sector and the high street in the long-term.”

70%...TrusTrace reports strong early traction for One Retail Hub, its free industry infrastructure for supply chain compliance. Seven weeks after launch, it says that brands are seeing average time savings of 70% on compliance reporting, as the platform eliminates fragmented, retailer by retailer data requests that have long strained sustainability teams.

As mounting regulatory obligations, from HREDD and CSRD to EUDR, force brands to demonstrate supply chain accountability across multiple retail relationships simultaneously, One Retail Hub provides shared digital infrastructure to meet those requirements without rebuilding compliance responses from scratch for every retailer.

Built in collaboration with seven retailers, including Zalando, Boozt, Asos, and About You, the platform enables brands to complete a single unified assessment and share it instantly across all participating retailers.

88% of retailers have had colleagues resign from their roles because of physical or verbal abuse from a customer, according to research from retail communications specialist VoCoVo.  

Its survey, which polled 250 UK retail decision-makers and 503 UK consumers, reveals that crime in the industry is being driven disproportionately by younger shoppers. 47% of adults aged 18-24 admit to stealing from a store, and 35% have abused a retail colleague or another customer in-store.  

For many retailers, incidents are no longer isolated events but a regular challenge, with 37% reporting incidents occurring at least once a week. This has led to widespread concern for 86% of retailers. 

The prospect of facing abuse at work is not just impacting retailers’ ability to retain staff but also attract new talent - rising levels of crime and abuse is now the third biggest reason why jobseekers would avoid joining the retail industry. This sits behind only unattractive shift patterns and pay.  

As incidents become more frequent, the impact is being felt beyond retail teams. 48% of shoppers feel uncomfortable when witnessing abuse in-store, contributing to a negative shopping experience. 

In an effort to improve safety for colleagues and maintain a positive experience for shoppers, AI is viewed as a key solution by 67% of retailers. AI assisted reporting and logging tools (35%), automated incident alert systems (33%) and AI powered CCTV (27%) are cited as the technologies most valuable in reducing incidents of crime and abuse.  

11,000...New Look is to relocate within Metrocentre’s Red Mall to launch its largest omni-hub concept store to date. Having traded at Metrocentre for 20 years, the 11,000 sq ft format has been designed to combine an elevated store environment with seamless digital services.

A dedicated space integrates digital and physical shopping journeys through Click & Collect, self-service e-commerce drop-offs, order-in-store showroom elevations, and digital browsing displays. 

Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, Asset Managers of Metrocentre, comments: "It’s great to see another long-term occupier investing in a latest concept store at Metrocentre. While securing new brands is a key focus for us, we are equally committed to supporting our existing retailers in elevating their offer.”

“We’re focused on continually evolving our lineup and ensuring the look & feel is fresh and relevant. This significant investment from New Look is the latest show of confidence in Metrocentre, and the new store will be a fantastic home for them.”

Mark Matthews, Retail Director at New Look, says: “Opening our largest concept store at Metrocentre is an exciting moment for us and a strong signal of how we are evolving the role of our physical locations. As our digital platform and Club New Look loyalty programme continue to grow, we are creating spaces that bring those capabilities to life for customers in-store."

“Our omni-hub format is built to integrate our online strengths with an inspiring retail environment. Following the strong response to our Bluewater concept store, we are now accelerating the roll-out of this format across our estate as we continue to invest in stores that support a more connected, omnichannel customer journey.”

60%...New Endear research suggests bricks and mortar stores remain a critical driver of revenue, especially when brands follow up personally with shoppers after a visit. 

According to a survey of 1,000 Americans, conducted by Censuswide, more than a quarter report going to a store because they needed a specific item immediately, while fewer than one in ten cite promotions or coupons as the primary reason for their visit.

But the in-store experience doesn’t end when a shopper walks out the door. Follow up from store associates significantly shapes repeat behavior. More than 60% of respondents aged 24-54 are likely to shop again if a retail associate reaches out personally after their visit, with over a third saying they are very likely to return. More than half reported making an additional purchase because of an associate’s follow-up, and nearly four in ten have done this multiple times.

“Getting a new customer to visit the stores shouldn’t be the finish line,” says Leigh Sevin, Co-founder and CEO at Endear. “Our survey shows shoppers value human relationships and personalised communication. When sales associates follow up thoughtfully, it drives a 70% increase in order frequency and helps transform stores and sales associates into revenue drivers.”

1...Shaftesbury Capital reports that US fashion brand Edikted has opened its flagship store at 52-55 Carnaby Street, London, marking the brand’s first standalone physical location in Europe. This comes as Italian fashion brand Subdued commits to an upsized space at 14–18 Foubert’s Place, at the northern end of Carnaby Street.

Spanning 4,800 sq ft, this is Edikted’s first bricks and mortar location outside of the United States.

William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, says: “Welcoming another UK debut reinforces Carnaby Street and Soho’s reputation as one of Europe’s most influential fashion destinations.”

“Carnaby Street provides brands like Edikted with the perfect opportunity to reach a broad, trend-savvy audience, while complementing its line-up of distinctive brands that each have huge pull. Subdued’s expansion also highlights Soho’s role as a launchpad for brands to flourish in the UK market, because it has everything a digitally native brand needs to translate online presence into bricks and mortar success.”

Mina Fam, Head of Retail at Edikted, comments: “Carnaby Street is one of London’s busiest and most iconic shopping streets, making it the ideal location for our first European store. This opening allows us to bring something exclusive to UK customers, offering a carefully curated range of apparel and accessories they can’t find anywhere else. Surrounded by standout brands and a style conscious audience, we’re able to build on the success we’ve achieved in the US, while establishing Edikted as a must visit brand in Europe.”

£53 million...boohoo’s underlying cash profit (EBITDA) is expected to grow by 36% to £53 million (previous guidance: £50 million). Underlying sales trends are improving, but still down 5% in February. Underlying cash profit isexpected to grow at double-digit rates in 2027.

Aarin Chiekrie, Equity Analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, says: “boohoo delivered positive news to investors’ doorsteps this week as it continues to make headway in its turnaround strategy."

"The group's pivot to a marketplace model is driving much of the improved financial performance, allowing sales to scale quickly as more sellers are brought into the fold. The third-party sellers also own the stock and are responsible for picking, packing and shipping orders, removing a host of costs and inventory risk from boohoo’s operations."

"As a result, boohoo’s fixed costs have fallen by more than £50 million to £119 million, and are expected to fall further to around £100 million this year. Good headway has also been made on bringing debt and interest costs under control, helped in no small part by a £40 million equity raise. While the dilution was painful for existing investors at the time, it does provide CEO Dan Finley with additional breathing room to stabilise the balance sheet and push ahead with his strategic plans."

"Looking ahead, underlying cash profits are forecast to grow at double-digit rates again this year. Progress on trimming the cost base has been impressive, but long-term growth will rely on moving the top line in the right direction. While sales trends are improving, they’re still in negative territory, so it’s a key area to watch, especially in a competitive retail market.”

$45 million…Sona, an AI platform for frontline enterprises, has bagged $45 million in Series B funding led by N47, with participation from existing investors Felicis, Northzone, Gradient, and Italian Founders Fund, bringing its total funding to over $100 million.

The cash will accelerate its US expansion and drive platform enhancements.

13 million...Argos reports a tenfold uplift in average TikTok post views after partnering with Lickd and Billion Dollar Boy on a culture led social campaign powered by mainstream licensed music.

Three ‘Stockroom Rave’ campaign assets generated over 13 million views on TikTok, supported by paid social amplification, compared to Argos’ December average of 412,000 views per post.

Key results from the campaign include: 10x uplift in TikTok post views versus December average; 5.4 million, 5.4 million and 2.4 million views across three campaign assets; 13 million plus total video views across platforms in ten days; More than 25,000 engagements across rave-related content.

The campaign, featuring Kurupt FM, reimagined an Argos stockroom as the setting for a live rave moment designed for sound on, social first viewing.

Lickd’s offering - Lickd for Brands - enabled Billion Dollar Boy to license ‘Heart Monitor Riddem’ by Kurupt FM, quickly and compliantly for use across TikTok and Instagram. Lickd’s relationships with major labels and publishers meant the track was cleared in days rather than weeks, removing a traditional barrier to using recognisable mainstream music in brand content.

18,000...Footasylum has opened an upsized store in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre. The refurbished 18,000 sq ft space, located on the ground floor of Exchange Court, will create 14 new jobs and aims to deliver an immersive retail experience.

As part of the move, Footasylum has signed a new 20‑year lease. To mark the opening, there will be a series of community led activations featuring local DJs, alongside partnerships with Slim Chickens, Crep Protect, adidas and Footasylum influencers.

In-store, customers will find a curated mix of new and exclusive products from third‑party brands such as Nike, ASICS, Hoka, Saucony & Berghaus alongside Footasylum’s own labels including Monterrain, Forena and Epic Kid.

Alongside its UK store roll-out, Footasylum reports progress with its international expansion plans. In late 2025, the company signed a distribution agreement with MAD Agency across Germany, Austria and Switzerland, followed by a partnership with Apparel Group to establish Footasylum stores across the Gulf Cooperation Council region, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

40...Aldi has opened a store in Portland, Maine, which marks the retailer's entry into its 40th US state.

The ultimate goal is 3,200 stores by 2028.

"This milestone reflects our commitment to bringing high quality groceries at everyday low prices to even more communities across the country. We are not just expanding our footprint; we’re delivering a unique and efficient shopping experience designed to help our customers save time and money every day," says Atty McGrath, CEO at Aldi USA.

"This new store is a direct result of both the hard work of our teams and the ongoing partnerships with our suppliers and communities. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this moment possible."

Aldi plans to open more than 180 stores in the US this year. The German grocer has become the third largest grocer in the country by store count, behind Walmart and Kroger. It had 2,614 locations in the US as of 31st December. In addition to relaunching its website and entering Maine, it will also add new distribution centres in Florida, Arizona and Colorado over the next five years.

30 and 60...Marks & Spencer is making its US fashion debut in-store in a partnership with Nordstrom.

Launching last weekend, the tie up will offer a curated selection of M&S’ bestselling womenswear ranges in 30 Nordstrom stores across the US, as well as the retailer’s online website. The range will feature over 60 pieces from its collections including Per Una as well as M&S Collection.

This builds on M&S Food landing in Target back in 2022  - it now sells over 30,000 bags of Percy Pigs every week. Last summer, M&S also launched its first global fashion wholesale partnership with David Jones in Australia.

400...Costa Coffee reports a milestone in its UK property strategy, opening its 400th drive-thru store (in Norwich) as the format plays a key role in the evolution of its retail estate. 

Costa Coffee lays claim to being the UK’s largest drive-thru coffee operator and plans to open up to 40 new such stores across the UK in 2026.

Nick Ridley, Property & Store Development Director at Costa Coffee, says: “Drive-thrus are one of the fastest-growing parts of our retail estate, and play an important role in meeting changing customer missions. For many customers it’s about convenience - grabbing a coffee on the commute, during the school run or while travelling.” 

£4.5 million...TiPJAR, a platform focused on how hospitality operators collect, distribute and allocate tips and service charge, has secured £4.5 million in new investment. This brings total funding to date to £11.3 million.

The round, led by YFM Equity Partners and advised by Mountside Ventures, will enable the company, which launched in 2019, to expand its team, invest in its people, and accelerate product development as it scales its technology across the UK. In this next phase of growth, the company will also explore expansion into new markets.  

It currently supports more than 5,000 sites across the UK, including pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, cafes and QSR brands, and processes over £130 million in tips annually, supporting more than 75,000 hospitality workers. During a normal trading day, TiPJAR processes around 1,000 tips per minute.