Norwegian fashion retailer VILLOID inks deal with StrongPoint for world's largest Pio installation
StrongPoint has signed a contract with VILLOID, a Norwegian online fashion platform for women. This will see it design and install its new Pio facility, created by AutoStore, a warehouse automation solution. The contract value is approximately NOK 17 million, and the installation is expected to be completed by Q2 2027.
VILLOID is moving its fulfilment centre to a new location, and the new Pio system will be doubled in size as the retailer requires additional capacity to support future growth. When completed the system is expected to be the largest Pio installation in the world.
"Retailers like VILLOID are looking for partners that understand their fulfilment operations, not just automation. That aligns with StrongPoint's focus on customer intimacy, working closely with customers to understand their operations, improve operational outcomes, and act as a partner rather than simply a supplier. We look forward to supporting VILLOID on its expanding automation journey," says Jacob Tverabaak, StrongPoint CEO.
"We have had a very positive experience with AutoStore Pio over several years. World class logistics with same-day delivery has been a key driver of our strong and profitable growth, delivering on customers' expectations of exceptional fulfilment service. StrongPoint will be a valuable partner as we continue our expansion, and with the new, larger Pio system we look forward to the additional capacity as we scale toward our next milestones. The facility will be the largest AutoStore Pio facility in the world," says Jeanette Dyhre Kvisvik, CEO and Founder at VILLOID.
So hot right now
StrongPoint is included in RTIH’s first ever Retail Technology Hot 100 List. Launching in August, this sees us bringing you the hottest companies whose solutions and systems are helping drive the retail sector forward.
Our Founder and Editor, Scott Thompson, drew up a list of 150 companies that had consistently been on his radar over the past 12 months whilst bringing our community the latest retail tech news and views that matter. These companies operate across the omnichannel retail landscape (stores, online, mobile, supply chain, payments etc).
Our judging panel, including Vineta Bajaj, Group CFO, Holland & Barrett, Dan McGrath, JD Group Customer Operations, JD Sports, Dr. Astha Purohit, Director of Product Management, Customer Data and Identity, Walmart, and Paula Bobbett, Chief Data and Digital Officer, Boots, provided feedback on those who have the most innovative, forward thinking technology offerings and are also best addressing retailers' current challenges, painpoints, and opportunities.
The judges used the following framework when making their picks:
1. Retailer problem fit - how meaningful, strategic, and widely felt the retailer pain being addressed is.
2. Production traction in retail (2025–2026) - real named retailer deployments, pilots.
3. Innovation and defensibility - genuine technical novelty paired with a defensible competitive position.
And there was also a public vote, with thousands of members of our community of retail tech enthusiasts getting involved. Thanks to all those who took part! Based on the judging panel's feedback and the public vote, we then drew up our first ever RTIH Retail Technology Hot 100.
So, without further ado, here are the 100 hottest global retail technology ventures right now. Drum roll, please…
