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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Jan- 2022 -26 January
Over 90% of eligible transactions used contactless in 2021
Contactless payments surged in 2021 as shoppers took advantage of the new £100 limit, with 91.1% of all eligible card transactions being made using contactless, and the total value of contactless payments rising 40.2% year-on-year. The latest figures come from Barclaycard, whose data also showed that the average number of…
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25 January
Flying Tiger rolls out mobile self-checkout to UK stores
Store chain Flying Tiger Copenhagen has announced it is rolling out MishiPay’s mobile self-checkout solution to its UK stores. The announcement comes following a successful trial across stores in Denmark, Sweden and Norway that generated positive feedback on both customer and employee experience. During the trial period, MishiPay’s Scan, Pay…
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Oct- 2021 -15 October
Rollout of £100 contactless limit begins
The nationwide rollout of a new £100 spending limit for contactless cards has started today (15 October). Retailers across the UK will begin to accept contactless payments of up to £100, an increase from the previous £45 limit, which will reportedly give consumers “more flexibility” when shopping in-store. According to…
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Aug- 2021 -26 August
Walmart commercialises delivery platform
Walmart is commercialising its delivery platform, with the launch of ‘Walmart Go Local’ which will see other retailers tap into its delivery services to get orders to customers. The US discounter said the concept is built on its proven ability to “execute delivery capabilities at scale with efficiency”. Over a…
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11 August
Scotmid and Southern Co-ops commence ESL roll out
The Scotmid and Southern Co-ops have announced the introduction of SoluM electronic shelf labels (ESLs) in partnership with Cambridge-based technology integrator, Herbert Retail. Initial trials of the ESLs have seen increased store efficiency, improved pricing and product information compliance, reduced paper wastage, and an enhanced team morale. The technology enables…
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Jul- 2021 -8 July
ITV set to launch shoppable TV
ITV has announced it is preparing to launch shoppable TV, which will allow viewers to discover and purchase items from its programmes directly on screen. This service is the first of its kind in the UK and is set to launch during Love Island on ITV2, with Boots UK as…
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Apr- 2021 -30 April
Apple sees Q2 revenues up 54%
Apple has revealed that its revenues for the second quarter of the year ending March 27, increased 54% to $89.6bn (£64.3bn). It comes as the retailer reported that international sales accounted for 67% of the quarter’s revenue. Apple reported double-digit growth in all of its product categories, with iPhone sales…
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Mar- 2021 -16 March
Rezolve closes on £540m fundraising
Rezolve, a mobile shopping platform startup, is reportedly closing in on a funding round that would value the group at $750m (£540m). According to Sky News, Dan Wagner, the company’s founder, is on the brink of finalising a $20m (£14.4m) cash injection for the group. City sources told the publication…
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Nov- 2020 -17 November
The Hut Group CEO to receive £830m shares payout
The Hut Group (THG) CEO Matthew Moulding is set to receive an £830m shares payout after the company’s share price increased significantly triggering a bonus clause. According to The Guardian, Moulding will receive the payout after the “market value of the company’s shares breached certain levels” that were set during…
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Aug- 2020 -5 August
Amazon Go to launch in UK
Amazon has reportedly struck a deal to open more than 10 Amazon Go stores across the UK, with a view to opening a further 20 sites down the line. According to The Sunday Times, the first of these stores is expected to open in London before the end of the…
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