Walmart trades blows with DoorDash and Uber Eats: RTIH presents last week’s biggest retail technology plays
RTIH rounds up the stand out retail technology deals, launches, deployments and pilots from the past seven days. Including Hanshow, Amazon, Klarna, Currys, Gopuff, Ulta Beauty, easyGroup, OnBuy, The Very Group, Lincolnshire Co-op, East of England Co-op, AliExpress, Carrefour Belgium, Timpson, Amazon, and Subway.
Walmart
This marks Walmart’s first restaurant integration within Express Delivery as it looks to bring groceries, household essentials, fashion, prescriptions and restaurant meals together in one experience.
“The future of retail is about bringing more of customers’ everyday needs into a single, seamless experience,” says Tracy Poulliot, EVP eCommerce and Marketing, Walmart U.S. “Bringing Subway delivery into the Walmart app is another way we’re using our proximity to customers and scale to make everyday decisions simpler and everyday life a little easier.”
Subway is Walmart’s largest in-store restaurant tenant, with a relationship that began in 2004. Today, Subway restaurants inside Walmart serve millions of shared customers.
“Subway has always been focused on making freshly made, quality meals accessible to customers wherever they are," says Damien Harmon, President at Subway North America. “The integration of Subway delivery into the Walmart app and Walmart.com is a natural evolution of our 20-year relationship built on a shared commitment to value, freshness and everyday convenience."
The service is now live in select Walmart stores across Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas, and will expand to approximately 1,400 locations by the end of the summer.
Hanshow
Hanshow has announced the launch of xPilot, a real-time store execution AI assistant powered by the company’s digital twin technology, in collaboration with Microsoft.
Built on Microsoft Azure, xPilot uses Microsoft Fabric to unify in-store sensing data with retailer business data, creating a connected data foundation for real-time retail operations. On top of that foundation, AI agents powered by Microsoft Foundry help translate live store signals into faster decisions and more consistent execution across store environments.
Designed as native AI agent for retail and intelligent execution assistant, xPilot combines real-time store sensing, AI-driven decision-making, and automated workflows, integrating to a store digital twin by continuously integrating data from smart shelves, smart carts, in-store robotics, operational systems and other IoT touchpoints.
Store teams gain real-time visibility into shelf availability, planogram compliance and operational alerts, with the ability to trigger staff tasks or automated actions instantly with priority. Retailers benefit from live heatmaps covering sales, traffic, conversion, labour and energy usage, helping standardise execution, reduce lost sales, and improve operational efficiency across store networks. xPilot's open architecture also supports integration with ecosystem partner's applications across merchandising, supply chain, store operations and customer engagement.
Rainbow Department Store in China is among the first retailers to deploy xPilot in live store environments. It is using the solution to validate how digital twin technology can translate real-time store intelligence into consistent in-store execution at scale.
Instacart and Weis Markets
Instacart and Weis Markets, a US food retailer, have announced the launch of Caper Carts at select Weis locations in Pennsylvania with additional roll-outs planned throughout the year.
“Weis Markets and its associates have always been committed to delivering a best-in-class shopping experience, and Caper Carts are a meaningful step forward in that journey,” says Greg Zeh, SVP, Chief Information Officer at Weis Markets. “From real-time spend tracking to on-cart coupons that make saving effortless, this technology offers our customers a convenient and frictionless shopping experience.”
“Weis Markets has spent more than 100 years delivering value, quality, and service to their communities, and we're thrilled to help them bring that commitment into the next era of grocery with Caper Carts,” says David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart. “As a leader in Physical AI, we're giving retailers like Weis Markets a competitive advantage by bringing together in-store and online data through technology like Caper Carts to help them understand and respond to their customers with a level of intelligence that simply wasn't possible before.”
Amazon
Amazon has announced the expansion of Amazon Now, its rapid delivery service offering thousands of groceries and household essentials in about 30 minutes or less. Later this year, it will roll-out to more London locations, as well as Manchester and Birmingham for the first time, as Amazon plans to double its UK micro fulfilment network from ten sites.
“Amazon Now brings a new level of speed and convenience to customers, delivering thousands of groceries and household essentials in less than 30 minutes," says John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager of Amazon. “It’s the latest example of our commitment to faster delivery, building on the millions of items we already deliver the same or next day to customers across the UK.”
To get orders to customers in minutes, Amazon Now uses a network of micro fulfilment centres that are positioned near residential and inner-city areas, with sites in Southwark, Bethnal Green, Battersea, Lewisham, Hampstead, Nottinghill, Harringey, Walthamstow and Wembley.
Prime members get discounted Amazon Now delivery fees starting at £1.99 per order (vs. £3.99 for non-Prime members). A £2 fee applies to all orders under £25, regardless of membership.
Klarna
FinTech big hitter Klarna has launched the Klarna Inbox: a new security measure to help customers verify that a message claiming to be from the company is genuine.
Here's how it works: Every official communication Klarna sends - emails, SMS, push notifications and physical letters - now appears mirrored inside the customer's authenticated app.
The Inbox lives inside a secure, signed in environment that scammers cannot replicate. Customers continue to receive messages on their existing channels, and gain one verified destination they can always check.
David Fock, Chief Product and Design Officer at Klarna, says: "Financial fraud hurts real people every day, and we're not going to stand by while scammers impersonate us to steal from our customers. Our new inbox gives people a simple way to know what's actually from Klarna. If you're unsure about a message, just check the app. If it's not there, it's not from us. No single company can solve impersonation fraud alone, and the more brands that give customers a way to verify what's real, the harder this gets for fraudsters."
The feature is currently live in the Klarna app across all markets.
Currys
Currys customers are now able to make microdonations to charity when they shop online. The UK&I technology retailer has partnered with Pennies on this.
The move is part of Currys' efforts to help eradicate digital poverty, with online donations expected to at least double the funds currently raised in-store. As part of the launch, it will match customer microdonations made this weekend.
Having raised over £800,000 since Pennies launched, until now, customers have only been able to make microdonations via card terminals when paying in-store. The new set up allows the website’s over 500k daily visitors to add 25p or 50p donations at checkout. The initiative was made possible through collaboration with several key suppliers, including LTM, an AI centric technology services company, who played a vital role in developing the website's donation functionality.
With one in five children and one in seven adults living in digital poverty in the UK, this will support Currys in growing its partnership with the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA). Having provided over 3,000 laptops so far through its flagship programme, Tech4Families, Currys and the DPA say that they are committed to delivering practical, scalable solutions that empower communities and support those most in need.
“We know just how life-changing access to technology can be and yet too many families are still shut out of the opportunities it can provide. By taking our donation programme online, we’re making it even easier to donate and moving one step closer to helping end digital exclusion. None of this is possible without the generosity of our customers and we’re excited to see the impact this expansion will deliver,” says Paula Coughlan, Chief People, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Currys.
Gopuff
Gopuff has announced the launch of Go, a personal shopping ‘genius’ built for the quick commerce venture’s app. Developed in collaboration with SpaceXAI, this fuses frontier reasoning, voice, and image generation models with Gopuff’s dataset of hundreds of millions of orders, plus real-time cultural signals from X.
Those involved claim that Go understands intent, inspires discovery, and delivers to customers in as fast as 15 minutes from Gopuff’s 400+ micro-fulfillment centres.
Go prepares a suggested cart the moment a customer opens the app. It quickly learns each individual’s shopping habits and automatically builds a personalised cart based on the time of day, location, order history, and real-time indicators. By anticipating intent, returning customers can check out with a single tap.
The experience blends content and commerce with a visual, TikTok style shoppable feed. A custom Imagine model uses Gopuff’s behavioral and local inventory data, plus real-time cultural insights from X, to generate hyper-personalized product moments. These scenes display products in context to help customers discover new items, get inspired, and check out in seconds.
For example, if a big game is happening in a customer’s city, wings and drinks may appear in a living room scene. On a snowy afternoon, the screen may fill with hot chocolate and cozy essentials. Customers can talk or type to Go like a human, thanks to its Grok voice integration, asking it for ”Snacks under 100 calories,” “a gluten-free sweet treat that’s not too heavy,” or “inspiration for an easy, healthy dinner.” It provides shoppable products directly within the chat so customers can build their cart in real-time. Plus, its voice integration works natively with SpaceXAI’s low latency intelligence, so customers can ask, adjust, and check out hands free.
"Thirteen years ago, we bet that instant delivery would change the world and built the infrastructure to enable that vision," says Yakir Gola, Gopuff's Co-founder and Co-CEO. "Today, we believe the greatest friction left in commerce is not delivery or instantaneous access to the essentials customers need. It's the moment before: the thinking, the deciding, the remembering. So, we're combining Gopuff's demand intelligence with xAI's frontier reasoning to create an everyday shopping experience that feels like a true extension of you."
Ulta Beauty
Klarna has announced a partnership with Ulta Beauty to bring flexible payments to US customers shopping on Ulta.com or through the brand’s app.
The following Klarna powwered options will be available at checkout - pay in full, split purchases into four interest free installments, or choose longer-term financing for larger purchases.
"Ulta Beauty is where millions of Americans turn for everything beauty and wellness has to offer, from emerging to established brands across all price points," says David Sykes, Chief Commercial Officer at Klarna.
"Whether a guest is checking out on Ulta.com or tapping through the Ulta Beauty app, they now have the power to pay in full, split their purchase into four interest-free installments, or select financing, giving them the freedom to choose what works best."
“Our digital channels play an increasingly important role in how guests discover, explore and shop beauty,” says Jodi Williams, Vice President of E-commerce at Ulta Beauty. “Partnering with Klarna allows us to enhance that experience with more payment flexibility at checkout, supporting a seamless journey that gives guests more control over how they shop Ulta Beauty online and in our app.”
easyGroup
easyGroup, the private investment vehicle of Greek-Cypriot entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou, has taken the wraps off easyShop.com, a new online marketplace that will go live later this year across 21 European countries. Marking easyGroup’s entrance into mainstream online retail, this is being developed and powered by OnBuy through its proprietary OnCommerce platform.
Haji-Ioannou says: “The easy family of brands has expanded into many new sectors by focusing on simplicity and value for money. I believe an online retail marketplace using a great domain like easyShop is a natural next step. I am delighted to welcome Cas Paton of OnBuy into the easy family, and I am looking forward to working with him to start recruiting sellers for our marketplace from now in 21 different countries. We are aiming for a consumer facing launch for consumers to be able to buy online from Q4 in 2026. Exciting times for the easy family!"
Cas Paton, CEO and Founder at OnBuy, comments: “easyShop removes many of the barriers that typically slow retail expansion by operating as a pure marketplace without inventory, logistics, or local infrastructure. Working with the easy family of brands brings together one of Europe’s most recognisable consumer names with proven marketplace expertise, accelerating awareness and enabling retailers to reach customers across multiple countries much more quickly.”
easyShop will operate as a pure marketplace, with no retail competition from the operator. Seller onboarding will begin ahead of the consumer launch.
Meadowhall
Meadowhall reports that Style Suite, a new personal shopper tool, has launched its debut physical location at the shopping centre.
Style Suite, created by 3DWD, is an AI powered colour analysis and personal styling experience built specifically for retail destinations. Shoppers use their mobile phone to unlock the AI technology and receive a free personalised colour analysis within seconds. Each customer’s results are stored in a digital profile accessed through their phone’s wallet, allowing shoppers to take their colour palette into stores.
Louisa Holmes, Asset Director at Meadowhall, says: “Meadowhall being the first location globally to house the Style Suite concept reflects our commitment to evolving the in-centre experience for our customers. By combining AI insights with an engaging in-centre activation, Style Suite delivers a smooth and accessible approach to personal styling, while encouraging customers to explore more of the brands and retailers within the destination. This launch is a great example of AI being used in a way to proudly champion the offline shopping experience.”
Dion Pouw, CEO at 3DWD, says: “Launching Style Suite’s first physical location is a huge milestone for us. Our goal is to use AI to make services like personal styling more accessible. With its consistently high footfall and strong focus on innovation, Meadowhall was the ideal partner to introduce the concept to the global retail market. This launch represents the first step in scaling Style Suite internationally and further evolving the concept.”
Walmart
Walmart Live is a feature on the US retail giant’s website and app, enabling consumers to watch livestreamed shopping events hosted by influencers and celebrities.
Vizio, meanwhile, is an American designer of televisions, soundbars, and related software and accessories owned by Walmart since 2024.
In a LinkedIn post, Walmart’s Justin Breton said: “As audiences continue to spend more time with streaming, gaming, and entertainment first platforms, we're exploring how content can do more than capture attention. It can also earn intentional time spent. By extending Walmart Live beyond the livestream moment, we're creating new opportunities for customers to discover products, learn something new, and be inspired through storytelling that feels helpful, relevant, and engaging.”
He added: “I've long believed that the future of marketing sits at the intersection of culture, commerce, and community. In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, the brands that win won't simply advertise to customers. They'll entertain, educate, and invite participation. The future of commerce isn't just shoppable content. It's content worth watching, whether a purchase happens immediately or not. That's the opportunity we're actively building toward.”
You can find Live in the Kitchen with Chef AB on Vizio WatchFree+, along with Live at Home with Landyn cutdowns across HOUSE, Fork & Flight, and Free Romance Network FAST channels, with more launches set to follow.
The Very Group
The Very Group, which operates digital retailers Very and Littlewoods, has partnered with InPost UK, allowing customers to collect orders from InPost’s nationwide network of over 14,000 lockers for the first time. As well as standard delivery, the new partnership will also offer customers a next-day delivery option.
The integration follows Very’s roll-out of InPost lockers for returns earlier this year. It will be free on standard orders over £30.
Sean Hallows, Chief Operations and Technology Officer at The Very Group, comments: “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the customer experience and the introduction of InPost lockers does exactly that. We know that the families we serve are tight on time, so to be able to give them the option to collect their delivery at a time that suits them, from a convenient location, really does offer a new level of ease. The expansion of our delivery network is just one of the many ways we’re enhancing the customer experience to deliver on our purpose of helping families get more out of life.”
Timpson
Heard, a therapist matching platform, has partnered with Timpson to provide personalised mental health support for employees across the retail and services group.
The partnership gives Timpson colleagues access to Heard's network of accredited therapists, allowing them to browse therapist profiles, watch introduction videos, arrange free consultations and book therapy sessions with a practitioner who feels like the right fit.
Carrie Keeble, Founder at Heard, says: "The relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors of successful therapy outcomes, yet too many people are expected to choose a therapist with very little information. Heard was built to change that. We're delighted to be working with Timpson to make accessing mental health support simpler, more personal and more effective for employees."
Janet Leighton, Director Happiness at Timpson, says: "We have been referring colleagues to Heard for a couple of months and the process has been very streamlined. We have had really positive feedback from our colleagues who have found the counsellors to be very understanding and supportive, and well matched for the employee.”
Carrefour Belgium
Carrefour Belgium is opening its largest automated BuyBye store to date in Hasselt, featuring eight refrigerated display cases and also a cash machine.
This is located at the Corda Campus in Hasselt, one of the largest technology and innovation campuses in Europe. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is the seventh BuyBye location to date.
Carrefour previously opened BuyByes at its Service Center in Zaventem, at the Carrefour Express in Yvoir, at the ibis hotels at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and at Brussels-South Station, at the NATO base SHAPE in Mons, and at the MontLégia Hospital in Liège.
East of England Co-op
The East of England Co-op reports that its head office, Wherstead Park, has officially reopened for event bookings following a significant investment in upgraded facilities, inclusive hearing and audio-visual technology.
Set within parkland on the outskirts of Ipswich, Wherstead Park is now available to host a wide range of corporate events, meetings, and space hire opportunities.
The Atrium at Wherstead Park is equipped with a 4.5m x 2.5m LED video wall and forms part of a fully integrated AV solution, complete with microphones, speakers, and a custom touch-panel control system.
The regional retailer has also invested in Auracast technology which allows audio to be broadcasted to an unlimited number of nearby receivers, including hearing aids and ear buds, in both their Atrium and individual meeting rooms. The improvements have been delivered in partnership with AV Unit, an Ipswich-based business which specialises in audio visual solutions.
Chief Property & Strategy Officer for the East of England Co-op, Stuart McDonald, says: “We’re delighted to reopen Wherstead Park for events and welcome businesses back into this fantastic space. This investment reflects our ambition to create a high quality, accessible and future-ready venue that meets the needs of modern organisations."
“By working with AV Unit, we’ve been able to introduce industry leading technology that enhances both the experience and the inclusivity of every event held at Wherstead Park.”
Lincolnshire Co-op
Lincolnshire Co-op has kicked off a major digital media screens roll-out, starting with its food stores.
In a LinkedIn post, Rebecca Brocklesby, Head of Marketing & Membership at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: "In less than three weeks we’ll have digital media screens in 90% of our food stores, unlocking significant retail media revenue opportunities."
"The project has been an excellent example of what can be achieved with a cross functional, can do team who remain laser focused on finding solutions to achieve the end goal. So proud of Michelle Dart (Retail Marketing Manager) who has been exceptional in her first ever business lead role on a major project."
Walmart
Walmart has announced the availability of 30-minutes-or-less delivery across 33 US markets. Customers can shop from more than 100,000 eligible items, including fresh groceries, pantry staples, baby essentials, cold and flu medicine, household supplies, pet food, electronics and prescription delivery.
This builds on Walmart’s long-term convenience strategy and broader Express Delivery offering. Powered by its store footprint, proximity to customers and an algorithm based on basket size, driver availability and distance from the store, the US retail giant says that it has significant opportunity to continue expanding delivery capabilities to more communities over time. In the first quarter of this year, it completed millions of deliveries in 30 minutes or less to more than 19,000 zip codes across the country.
Walmart is also seeing customer shopping behaviour evolve as faster delivery options become available. When customers see items available in less than 30 minutes, shopping behaviour increasingly shifts toward immediate, everyday needs and occasions, it claims.
“Customers are looking for faster, easier ways to get what they need in the moments that matter. We’ve been delivering orders in 30 minutes or less for more than a year, and today 26% of our Express Deliveries are already arriving in that timeframe,” says Tracy Poulliot, Chief eCommerce Officer at Walmart U.S. “As customers continue to look for more immediate shopping options, we’re making this service more prominent where it’s available, helping them get the items they need, right when they need them.”
The service is available in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Chicago, St. Louis, Atlanta, Tampa, Oklahoma City and several others, with additional expansion opportunities over time supported by Walmart’s proximity to customers and nationwide store footprint. In these markets, customers will see “Delivery in 30 minutes or less” when the option is available for the address associated with their account. It is available for a $10 fee for Walmart+ members.
