From remote controlled delivery robots to ‘pay with a glance’ services, these retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.

1. Majid Al Futtaim

Majid Al Futtaim, which owns and operates shopping malls, retail, and leisure establishments in the Middle East, Africa and Asia, has worked with Takeoff Technologies to launch a micro fulfilment centre at its Carrefour store in Ibn Battuta Mall. 

Two further centres, implementing artificial intelligence technology and autonomous robots, will follow in the first half of 2021. 

2. X5 Retail Group

Russian food retailer, X5 Retail Group, has partnered with Sberbank and Visa to launch a ‘pay with a glance’ service at self-service checkout terminals.

Currently available at 52 Perekrestok supermarkets, this uses biometric identification based on X5's innovation lab technology and VisionLabs solutions.

3. John Lewis & Partners

Karen Reeves, Customer Experience & Retail Transformation Manager, John Lewis & Partners, recently talked to RTIH about the retailer’s 3D commerce journey and its trial and roll-out of Marxent technology.

4. Cadbury

Cadbury has launched a virtual Easter egg hiding experience called Cadbury Worldwide Hide. 

Using Google Maps Street View, people will be able to hide an Easter egg anywhere in the world and then share a personalised clue with a loved one to help them find it.

5. Ted Baker

Ted Baker has partnered with Bambuser to launch live video shopping for customers in the UK from 11th March.

The brand will host regular events using retail store experts and in-house personnel as well as talent and influencer partnerships. 

6. Kroger

US retailer Kroger has opened an automated warehouse in Monroe, Ohio.

The $55 million, 335,000 square foot customer fulfilment centre, also known as a shed, is the first of 20 facilities to be created as part of a partnership between Kroger and Ocado.

7. Albertsons

Albertsons, the second largest grocery store chain in the US, has partnered with Tortoise to pilot robot delivery at two Safeway stores in Northern California.

8. Marks and Spencer

M&S has launched 46 flagship websites in new markets, expanding its online reach to over 100 countries.

The launch is part of the retailer’s Never the Same Again transformation programme, and nearly doubles the number of international markets where it has a pureplay presence.

9. Pandora

Pandora has partnered with Go Instore to launch a live video service.

The Remote Shopping Assistant offering enables store staff to guide customers through their buying journey from the comfort of their own homes.

10. Intersport

Intersport has rolled out Pricer’s electronic shelf labels (ESLs) across its European store estate.

The solution, which delivered around 1,000 SmartTAG HD per store, now provides instant price changes.

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