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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Nov- 2018 -15 November
Human trafficking victims to be offered jobs in Apple stores
Apple has announced it is to partner with an NGO in order to help human trafficking victims become caretakers and landscapers at its stores. The technology firm will work alongside the UN’s International Organization for Migration to help the victims pass interviews. The victims will not work directly for Apple…
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Oct- 2018 -23 October
New West End Company issues ‘stark’ warning to government over tax-free shopping
The New West End Company (NWEC) has issued a “stark” warning to the government over tax-free shopping in a joint letter to chancellor Philip Hammond, signed by over 300 West End retailers. In the letter, the trade body warned that the UK risked a further loss of international competitiveness post-Brexit…
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11 October
ASOS launches voice-activated shopping
ASOS has claimed to be one of the first fashion retailers in the UK to launch on Google Assistant, meaning customers can discover products across popular categories using their voice. Customers in the UK and US can initiate conversation with Enki, the ASOS shopping guide, by saying: “Hey Google, talk…
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Sep- 2018 -27 September
Snapchat introduces new e-commerce feature
Photo messaging application, Snapchat has announced it is to move into e-commerce, introducing new shoppable adverts and catalogues from its advertising partners. The application’s creators Snap Inc say they have been testing the new shoppable adverts since June with the feature available in October for all of its advertisers. New…
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7 September
Argos launches UK-first Google voice shopping service
Argos has become the first company in the UK to offer a voice shopping service for customers that use Google Home devices. The catalogue retailer said the technology will allow around 20,000 to reserve Argos products using voice technology across 850 of its stores. As well as placing reservations with…
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5 September
Inditex to sell all its brands online worldwide by 2020
Inditex, the Spanish parent company behind brands such as Zara and Pull&Bear, has announced that it will sell products from all of its brands online around the world by 2020, even in countries where it doesn’t have stores. Pablo Isla, Inditex chairman and CEO, made the announcement during a…
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Aug- 2018 -17 August
Marks and Spencer replaces switchboard staff with AI
Marks and Spencer will be replacing its call centre employees with AI technology, cloud communications platform Twilio has announced. The technology will be delivered by Twilio across 640 M&S stores and 13 UK-based contact centre hubs. The project to migrate the retail chain’s switchboard operation took less than six months…
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9 August
Aldi announces ‘carbon neutral by 2019’ aim
Aldi UK and Ireland has unveiled plans to become carbon neutral by 2019 following investment in a long-term carbon management programme. The supermarket, which has more than 775 stores and 11 distribution centres across the UK and Ireland, has reduced its carbon footprint in recent years, including by installing 388…
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3 August
Apple becomes first ever US company to be valued at $1trillion
Tech giant Apple has become the first ever US stock listed company to be worth $1tn (£767bn). Apple hit the landmark figure when its shares in New York increased in value to a record of $207.39 (£159). The stock had been on the increase after it posted strong results with…
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Jul- 2018 -30 July
Marks and Spencer partners with Decoded to launch ‘Data Academy’ for staff
Marks and Spencer has announced it has partnered with technology specialists Decoded to create the world’s first ‘Data Academy’ in retail. The launch of the new academy is part of the ongoing transformation of M&S, as it aims to place “digital at the heart of its business”. The M&S Data…
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