Technology
Technology explores how digital innovation, automation, and data are transforming every aspect of UK retail. This section covers retail tech developments including AI, analytics, payment systems, robotics, and omnichannel solutions that enhance operations and customer experience. Retail Sector’s Technology coverage provides analysis and insight for retail executives, IT leaders, and suppliers, examining how digital transformation and emerging technologies drive competitiveness, efficiency, and long-term growth across the sector.
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Jul- 2023 -24 July
Ocado wins £200m payout over patent battle
Ocado has won a £200m settlement from Autostore to put to an end the company’s global patent dispute. A settlement was reached to avoid further litigation and as a result Ocado retains exclusive rights to the Single Space Robot. Ocado will receive the payout from Autostore in instalments across two…
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Jun- 2023 -13 June
Secret Sales appoints new CTO to accelerate marketplace platform
Secret Sales, the non-full price marketplace for fashion, sportswear and beauty brands, has appointed Leon Shepherd as its new chief technology officer. The appointment comes as the business prepares to “invest heavily” in its technology offerings in line with its aggressive global growth agenda. Shepherd has previously worked for brands…
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6 June
Boots among companies hit by cyber attack
Boots is one of a number of major companies including the BBC and British Airways that has been bit by a cyber attack believed to have been orchestrated by a Russian-speaking criminal gang. Reports suggest the hackers targeted software called MOVEit used by payroll provider Zellis. According to The Telegraph,…
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Apr- 2023 -5 April
Apple to cut corporate retail jobs
Apple is reportedly set to axe a “very small” number of roles within its corporate retail teams in a bid to streamline operations, Bloomberg has reported. The news is said to come from people close to the company and it is understood that currently it is unclear how many roles…
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Feb- 2023 -3 February
Apple Q1 revenues fall 5% $117.2bn
Tech giant Apple has announced that its revenues for the first quarter ended 31 December 2022 dropped 5% to $117.2bn (£104bn) down from $124bn (£111bn) in 2021. The company’s product sales fell to $96bn (£86bn) down from $104bn (£93bn) but its services sales increased slightly to $21bn (£19bn) up from…
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Nov- 2022 -1 November
Ocado partners with South Korea’s Lotte Shopping
Ocado Solutions has entered the South Korean market following a new partnership with Lotte Shopping, which will aim to develop Lotte’s online business with the Ocado Smart Platform. Lotte Shopping is the largest retail affiliate of Lotte Group, a South Korean-based multinational conglomerate, with interests spanning retail, food, hotels and…
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Aug- 2022 -9 August
Amazon to expand offering with iRobot acquisition
Amazon has revealed its intention to acquire the consumer robot company, iRobot, after the two companies have reportedly entered into a definitive merger agreement. The retail giant will acquire iRobot for $61(£50.38) per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.7bn (£1.4bn), including iRobot’s net debt. Completion of the…
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Jul- 2022 -27 July
Music Magpie posts H1 loss amid revenue drop
Music Magpie has posted a first half loss of £0.7m, down from profits of £4m, in the six months to 21 May 2022 as its revenues declined amid a post-pandemic drop in trading. During the period, its group revenues declined marginally to £71.3m (H1 2021: £72.8m) with Music Magpie adding…
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7 July
Currys warns of ‘uncertain’ outlook despite profit rise
Currys has warned that its outlook for consumer spending is “uncertain”, despite reporting that pre-tax profits jumped 19% year-on-year from £156m to £186m for the year ended 30 April 2022. The financial year saw group store sales increase 24%, with 61% growth in the UK and Ireland, which is “higher…
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Jan- 2022 -28 January
Apple hails ‘record’ Q1 revenues of £92.69bn
Apple has reported a revenue record of $123.9bn (£92.69bn) for the first quarter ending December 25 2021 (Q1), rising 11% year-on-year from $111.43bn (£83.3bn). The company’s net income also increased by 20.4% to $34.63bn (£25.89bn) compared to $28.75bn (£21.5bn) for the same period in 2020. iPhone, Mac, Wearables, and Services…
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