Lowe's takes flight and Boots reaches new audiences: 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 Paul Smith, Sitoo, Tesco, Asda, InPost UK, Aldi UK, Deliveroo, Instacart, Dollar General, Co-op, Lager 157, Amazon, Best Buy Canada, Fanatics, Kingfisher, LeMieux, LolaLiza, and Revolut.
Lowe's
Lowe's has announced the launch of drone delivery, the newest fulfillment method for the US retailer that promises select home improvement items directly to DIY and Pro customers in as fast as 20 minutes.
A pilot is now live at Lowe's store in Matthews, N.C., and adds to same-day fulfillment options for customers, including buy online, pick up in store; curbside pickup and same-day delivery. The launch builds on Wing and DoorDash's existing drone delivery operations in the Charlotte area.
“Our mission is to solve problems and fulfill dreams for the home. To achieve this mission, we're removing friction from home improvement and making it easier for customers to enjoy their home. Any technology we implement is designed to eliminate that friction so our customers can complete their projects quickly," says Seemantini Godbole, Chief Information and AI Officer at Lowe's.
"By piloting drone delivery, we're addressing a real project pain point with an innovative solution that is integrated into the retail journey, giving our hometown customers next-generation fulfillment right when they need it."
Paul Smith
Paul Smith has completed its roll-out of Sitoo’s cloud native unified commerce and PoS platform for fashion and lifestyle retailers across 31 stores in eight countries. In a LinkedIn post, Sitoo said: “A major milestone with an amazing customer!”
It added: “After months of close collaboration, it’s fantastic to see Sitoo now live across all Paul Smith stores and markets - and even more exciting to think about what comes next. A huge thank you to the brilliant teams at Paul Smith and Sitoo who made this milestone possible. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to continue working closely as our partnership grows. Here’s to the next chapter!”
Tesco
Tesco is introducing new virtual try-on technology for the first time, as part of a trial at its Sandhurst Extra store. Powered by AIUTA tech, the experience lets customers virtually try on around 1,500 items of F&F clothing across womenswear and menswear by taking a photo or uploading a photo of themselves onto a digital try-on screen in the clothing department, or selecting a digital model to view clothes in different sizes.
The trial is designed to understand how Tesco can help customers browsing in-store to discover new styles and feel more confident before they buy.
The virtual try-on screen forms part of a wider F&F refresh at Sandhurst Extra, which includes new changing rooms and a dedicated service hub for easier checking out and returns. Customers will also see a larger F&F range in-store and a refreshed look and feel with new signage, updated lighting and a focus on showcasing the F&F range across womenswear, menswear and childrenswear.
Lager 157
Lager 157 has completed a pilot of ClarityRFID's Clarity Store solution, conducted in collaboration between the two teams across three stores: Naestved in Denmark, Nacka in Sweden and Raisio in Finland. This gave Lager 157 real-time, item level visibility into stock, and the results are now shaping plans for a wider roll-out across the retailer's store network.
During the pilot, Lager 157 says it saw stock accuracy reach as high as 98-99.8% and SKU accuracy climb as high as 97% in participating stores, improving the retailer's head office store level data. A full roll-out is planned for 2027.
“The pilot gave us a completely different level of visibility into our stock, down to the individual item,” says Gunnar Palm, Head of Controlling & Business Development at Lager 157. “That's exactly the insight we want as we plan our next stores.”
Aldi UK
From October, Aldi UK will be trialling a new partnership with Deliveroo across eight UK stores, giving customers access to its full grocery range through the on demand delivery firm’s app. Modelled on Aldi’s partnerships with DoorDash, Deliveroo’s parent company, in the United States and Australia, the latter’s riders will pick, pack and deliver orders directly from stores.
The trial is pitched as the only rapid delivery service available from a discount supermarket in the UK.
Customers will be able to order around 2,000 Aldi products, including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, household essentials and Specialbuys. They can order on-demand or choose a delivery window that suits them. A nationwide launch is currently planned for early 2027.
Revolut
Revolut is testing out what is pitched as the UK’s first in-store facial recognition checkout system, Pay with Smile. This taps Revolut Register, a new hospitality PoS hardware system, and is being piloted at select Kiss the Hippo cafés.
The future of in-store payments? Or a solution that is at best looking for a problem that doesn’t exist, or at worst yet another example of a big tech company launching an assault on privacy rights in a ruthless pursuit of profits? Answers on a postcard, please, to the usual address…
Once customers are enrolled, Pay with Smile uses facial technology to verify the identity of the user against the selfie ID checks that they completed when first signing up to Revolut to authenticate and process a payment.
Smythson
ESW has announced a partnership with British luxury lifestyle brand, Smythson, to support its international e-commerce growth plans.
Founded in 1887 and known for its leather diaries, notebooks, travel bags and accessories, Smythson has built a customer base across the UK, United States and international markets. ESW will support its US and rest of world e-commerce operations, providing the cross-border commerce infrastructure needed to deliver a seamless customer experience across international markets and support future growth ambitions.
Seb Villien, Digital & Logistics Director at Smythson, says: “As we continue to expand Smythson’s global presence, working with a partner like ESW allows us to reach customers beyond our core markets, while always maintaining our focus on the quality and experience our brand is known for.”
Dollar General
Instacart and Dollar General have announced a new partnership to offer same-day delivery of the latter’s everyday essentials through the former’s app and website. The partnership will launch with a pilot at approximately 7,000 Dollar General and pOpshelf stores in six states in the coming weeks with plans to expand to approximately 20,000 stores across 48 states this autumn.
“Dollar General’s vast footprint and longstanding commitment to affordability make them an important addition to the Instacart Marketplace,” says Ryan Hamburger, Chief Commercial Officer at Instacart. “As we expand this partnership to approximately 20,000 Dollar General and pOpshelf stores, we’ll help provide customers in communities across the country with even greater access to affordable food and everyday essentials, with the convenience of same-day delivery.”
“Our mission is Serving Others, and we continually look for new ways to provide customers with the value and convenience they count on," says Tony Rogers, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Dollar General. "Our partnership with Instacart provides another convenient way for customers to access affordable food, household essentials and other products they need while saving them valuable time."
Boots UK
Boots UK is kicking off a TikTok Shop pilot, in partnership with THG Commerce, involving a curated selection of No7 skincare and beauty products. Further brands and products are set to launch over the coming months.
Paula Bobbett, Chief Digital and Data Officer at Boots, says: “Millions of people are already discovering beauty and skincare products through TikTok and the creators and communities that they trust. This launch gives us an exciting new way to be part of this dynamic experience and help more customers to discover new products and shop those they love in way that feels seamless and relevant to their lives.”
Daniel Callaghan, Business Development Manager at THG Ingenuity, says: “Boots' debut on TikTok Shop is a testament to the growth and development that the platform has seen over the last few years. This forms part of Boots’ wider ambition to create more connected customer experiences and bring beauty content, product discovery and purchase closer together. Through the platform, it aims to reach new audiences, while giving existing customers greater choice and flexibility in how and where they shop. Huge move, and well done to everyone involved.”
Amazon
Amazon customers in the UK now have a new way to pay for their purchases with the launch of instalment options from Affirm. They can select Affirm as their payment method at checkout and apply to get an instant eligibility decision from the company.
0% Pay-in-3 splits the cost of the purchase into three interest free monthly payments, while a longer-term interest bearing (22% representative APR fixed) plan is available for up to 48 months. Both options are available on baskets of at least £50 and come with no late or hidden fees.
Customers can make payments in monthly instalments, which can be paid manually or set up with automatic debits using a bank account or debit card. They can manage their payment plans at any time in the Affirm app or website and make additional payments or pay their full balance at any time with no early repayment penalties.
JD.com
JD.com reports that its first 101HOME store will open on 28th September in Jing’an District Shanghai. Building on the launch of an online flagship store in 2025, this is pitched as a premium lifestyle retail destination that brings together global design, home furnishing solution, smart technology, fashion, renovation services, dining, art and cultural experiences under one roof.
The retailer says that with its global sourcing capabilities, self-operated retail model and omnichannel infrastructure, 101HOME will offer a seamless “shopping upon seeing” experience, allowing consumers to explore new possibilities for their homes and discover the art of everyday living. Spanning approximately 12,000 square metres across four floors, 101HOME is designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers from age 0 to 101, across different life stages, household structures and lifestyles.
It brings together more than 1,000 full category home and lifestyle brands, including over 30 international brands making their China debut and more than 150 domestic and international brands making their JD.com debut. At the heart of 101HOME are 33 “Dream Homes”, designed for different living situation, family structures, lifestyles and interests.
The Shanghai store features spaces created by British designer Kelly Hoppen, and Japanese designers Shuhei Aoyama and Takashi Honma. Chinese designer Wang Heng (Ryan) draws on Song dynasty inspired aesthetics to create a three-generation family home. Consumers can step into fully designed home settings and see how furniture, lighting and furnishings come together, offering inspiration for their own homes.
Best Buy Canada
Best Buy Canada has selected RELEX Solutions to optimise forecasting and replenishment across its retail network. It says it will deploy the company’s tech to improve inventory visibility, automate planning processes, and support omnichannel operations across stores and distribution centres.
Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Best Buy Canada operates more than 300 stores supported by two DCs and manages approximately 2.1 million SKUs.
It was looking for a solution to improve alignment between inventory and customer demand that would support driving greater efficiency across its network. RELEX’s ability to incorporate supply chain constraints into replenishment planning, optimise inventory across channels, support large scale retail operations, and automate key planning processes aligned closely with its goals.
“Accurate planning is essential to meeting customer expectations in a competitive consumer electronics market,” says Christian Trudel, VP Inventory & Merchandising Operations at Best Buy Canada. “RELEX gives us the tools to improve planning efficiency that supports delivering a better experience for our customers across Canada.”
Airbnb
Home sharing platform Airbnb is expanding its grocery delivery service with Instacart across the US and Canada, allowing guests to order through its app ahead of their stays. This builds on a pilot that started in four cities earlier this year.
Guests can place orders up to three weeks before check-in, with $0 delivery fees on orders of $10 or more. The service does not require a separate Instacart account or app, and the listing address is automatically populated. The service will launch in Canada in the coming weeks.
In Phoenix, Arizona, and Orlando, Florida, hosts can also opt to receive grocery orders and stock the refrigerator and pantry before guests arrive.
Airbnb says groceries have been one of its most requested services. “We wanted groceries to feel like a natural part of a stay, not another errand,” says Juan David Borrero, Airbnb’s Global Head of Partnerships and Business Development.
Asda
Asda and InPost have announced a new partnership that will see up to 700 of the latter’s parcel lockers installed across the former’s UK store estate. This will give Asda customers a new way to send, collect and return parcels while they shop, and is pitched as one of InPost’s most significant UK retail partnerships to date.
The lockers will be installed across a mix of Asda superstores, supermarkets and Express locations.
Joseph Sutton, Director - Express, Fuel & Wholesale, says: "Our unmatched mix of services is a key part of what sets Asda apart, and we know customers increasingly value the convenience of being able to tick off multiple tasks in a single trip. We're delighted to be partnering with InPost to bring parcel lockers to up to 700 locations nationwide.
This roll-out gives customers a fast and flexible way to collect and return parcels, seamlessly fitting around their weekly shop and making everyday life a little easier."
Fanatics
Afterpay has been named the preferred buy now, pay later partner of Fanatics, expanding its relationship with the digital sports platform. Eligible shoppers can now use Afterpay’s Pay in 4 and Pay Monthly for products across Fanatics’ network of online stores.
“Being selected as Fanatics’ preferred BNPL partner is a meaningful milestone for us as we continue expanding into high intent shopping categories where flexibility matters,” says Tanuj Parikh, Head of Revenue, Cash App and Afterpay. “Fanatics sits at the centre of sports culture, bringing fans closer to the teams and athletes they love. Together, we’re offering fans more flexible options at checkout while supporting one of the most dynamic commerce ecosystems in sports.”
The moment builds on an existing Afterpay and Fanatics relationship, which included an activation at this summer’s Fanatics Fest event.
“Afterpay gives our customers the flexibility today’s shoppers expect, so fans can support their teams and celebrate the biggest moments in sports,” says Tucker Kain, Fanatics Chief Strategy and Growth Officer.
“This feature allows us to further our mission to relentlessly enhance the fan experience, whether that’s through the personalised discovery Fanatics Ads brings to shopping, the live energy of Fanatics Fest, or the flexibility Afterpay offers at checkout, and make our world class assortment of products available and accessible in more ways than ever before.”
Kingfisher Group
Kingfisher Group, which owns B&Q and Screwfix in the UK and Castorama and Brico Depot in France and other markets, is using AI enabled productivity tools, including Fabric, to accelerate content creation, enhance SEO and improve conversion.
The FTSE 100 home improvement retailer lifted the lid on its AI and other tech initiatives as it raised its profit target despite seeing a heatwave driven drop off in sales at B&Q. It now expects to make a pre-tax profit of between £595 million and £635 million, having previously guided between £565 million and £625 million. Last year, it posted a £560 million profit.
Other highlights from its full year profit guidance and HY26/27 results include: group e-commerce sales reached 22% penetration. Group app sales now account for 29% of e-commerce sales, with app customers spending approximately 14% more than non-app users.
AI driven personalisation increased +16% generating approximately £100 million of sales, showing, Kingfisher claims, the growing value of its data and digital capabilities. Click & Collect sales were up +9% and home delivery sales +15%, supported by store-based fulfilment network and marketplace growth.
Screwfix Sprint (20 min delivery) was up +50% reflecting the growing demand for rapid fulfilment, particularly in Kingfisher’s City stores. Marketplace GMV rose +42% to £372 million, representing 18% of e-commerce sales. There has been investment in platform enhancements including Buybox, which helps customers find the best offer from multiple vendors by balancing price, merchant performance and delivery speed.
B&Q, meanwhile, continued to stump up cash for search and navigation capabilities, supporting improvements in online traffic and conversion. Natural language search is planned for implementation at B&Q in H2. The next phase of digital commerce will also include agent enabled shopping experiences.
Co-op
Digital commerce data specialist eStoreBrands has announced a new partnership with Co-op to launch Co-op Catalyst, an analytics platform for the quick commerce category. The platform gives suppliers direct access to Co-op's own q-commerce data across coop.co.uk and its delivery aggregator partners.
Suppliers can track product performance, search positioning and store level availability, and use the same data as their Co-op category team. Backed by Co-op's footprint of 2,300 convenience stores and its aggregator partnerships, Catalyst is pitched as providing an up-to-date view of the UK's quick commerce convenience market that has not been available to suppliers before.
Francis Nicholas, VP Product Strategy at eStoreBrands, says: "Having worked for brand owners including P&G and Nomad Foods, I know first-hand how valuable retailer insight is, and this is exactly what buying, category and quick commerce teams have been missing. Quick commerce is one of the fastest growing channels in digital retail, and Co-op Catalyst gives suppliers the retailer's own view of it, which site monitoring alone cannot provide. We look forward to helping suppliers make recommendations that benefit Co-op, their business and shoppers alike."
Kate McCrae, Operations and QCommerce Director, Co-op, says: "We're really excited about this partnership. Co-op is the UK's leading convenience store and a pioneer in Quick Commerce, where we now have around 90% reach across the UK. We are really excited about this new partnership and the insights and opportunities it will bring, as sharing deeper data will be instrumental in helping us, our suppliers, and partners serve Co-op members and shoppers. Co-op Catalyst will help unlock this channel, enabling suppliers to apply core Category Management principles to up-to-date data and recommend actions that accelerate growth for both their brands and Co-op."
Catalyst opens to suppliers later in 2026.
Lagardère Travel Retail
Lagardère Travel Retail is leveraging Perfect Corp.’s Skincare Pro with a view to bringing a more personalised and engaging skincare discovery experience to travellers across its beauty retail operations at airports in Prague, Rome Fiumicino and Amsterdam Schiphol.
The deployment will expand to two additional airports by the end of 2026. Powered by AI skin analysis, Skincare Pro assesses 12 key skin concerns, including wrinkles, pores, spots, texture, dark circles, redness, oiliness, moisture, eye bags, radiance, acne and firmness.
“AI powered personalisation is transforming the way consumers discover and shop for beauty, and travel retail is an especially exciting environment for this innovation,” says Alice Chang, Founder and CEO at Perfect Corp. “With Skincare Pro, travellers can receive an intelligent, personalised skincare analysis and product recommendations within minutes, creating a more relevant and engaging beauty experience. We are delighted to partner with Lagardère Travel Retail to bring this technology to travelers across key European airports.”
Following the analysis, shoppers receive personalised recommendations designed to address their specific skin concerns. Those who complete a skin analysis can also receive a discount via QR code.
VILLOID
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.
Amazon
An Amazon Just Walk Out technology powered store designed and built by Gallery has opened its doors at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Centre in the US.
In a LinkedIn post, Garett Buchholz, Sales at Gallery, said: "It was great working alongside all of the parties involved to bring this store to life. Projects like this take a strong partnership, collaboration, and a lot of coordination, and it’s always rewarding to see the finished product open and serving customers."
He added: "What’s especially exciting is seeing more Just Walk Out technology stores come online within the healthcare industry. The continued adoption speaks volumes about the potential use cases for frictionless retail in healthcare environments and the value it can bring to patients, staff, and visitors. Proud of the Gallery team and everyone who helped make this one happen!"
LolaLiza
LolaLiza has opened a new store featuring a custom AI fashion avatar created by Screenix. Displayed on a Samsung spatial screen and brought into the store in conjunction with DOBIT, the avatar aims to showcase LolaLiza’s collections in a fresh and dynamic way.
A spokesperson for Screenix says: “It turns traditional digital signage into dynamic inspirational content that feels completely at home in the physical retail environment. A great example of how technology, content and strong partnerships can create more engaging in-store experiences.”
They add: “A big thank you to LolaLiza for the trust, and to Samsung Display Solutions and DOBIT for the great collaboration. Congratulations to the entire LolaLiza team on the opening. We’re proud to be part of it.”
Snappy Technologies
Snappy Technologies, part of Snappy Group, has unveiled Snappy AI, a new AI powered assistant designed to help retailers understand their business performance, identify opportunities for improvement and make more informed decisions.
This has been built specifically for Snappy Shopper retailers to help them save time and get more value from their store data. Its initial capabilities will include answering questions about sales performance, bestselling products and helping retailers identify trends and opportunities.
Retailers will be able to ask follow up questions and receive tailored, data-based suggestions and complete tasks that would have previously taken hours in a matter of seconds. Snappy AI can also complete operational tasks, including changing store opening hours and updating product prices.
LeMieux
LeMieux has launched ReRide, a new peer-to-peer resale platform launching exclusively within the retailer's Insiders app, designed to bring its community together while giving quality products a longer life.
A spokesperson says: "By keeping well made products in use for longer, we’re helping reduce waste, encourage more conscious purchasing and create a marketplace where great kit continues its journey with another rider. ReRide is also a destination for collectors and long time LeMieux fans. Whether you’re searching for a discontinued colour, replacing a well loved favourite or completing a matching set from a previous season, ReRide makes it easier to discover those harder to find pieces that are no longer available to buy new."
They add: "Most importantly, ReRide has been created for the LeMieux community. It’s a place where riders can connect directly with one another, share trusted products and help fellow equestrians enjoy the quality and performance of LeMieux for years to come."
Tesco
Vontier Corporation reports that Tesco will integrate technologies from Gilbarco Veeder-Root and Invenco with a view to creating a scalable and efficient fuelling solution across the grocery retailer’s petrol stations.
“By leveraging the combined strengths of our market leading businesses, Vontier is proud to deliver integrated solutions designed to best serve the unique needs of our customers,” says Andy Bennett, Group President of Convenience Retail at Vontier. “Today's announcement combines the retail expertise of Tesco with the best in fuelling from Gilbarco Veeder-Root and best in payment from Invenco to create a state-of-the-art solution.”
According to those involved, Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s DOMS PSS 5000 Forecourt Controller and Invenco’s connected outdoor payment terminals will enable fast and compliant transactions at the pump or at the kiosk. The controller provides specialised software that connects Tesco’s PoS and software, providing real-time data on all aspects of the forecourt.
