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- 2018 -26 July
Omnichannel experience ‘key to survival of high street’, shoppers say
Over 52% of shoppers in the UK believe that retailers need to offer a more seamless experience between online and offline commerce to retain their custom. This was one of the key findings from a survey of 1,000 shoppers, conducted by full service e-commerce agency, PushON, which stated that retailers…
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25 July
Young people believe AI will find better gifts than them
Nearly half of young people think artificial intelligence (AI) will be better than them when choosing a gift for a loved one, new research suggests. Data gathered by digital consumer service Photobox Group, revealed 45% of young people prefer AI when it comes to finding a gift for a loved…
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24 July
Marks and Spencer partners with Founders Factory to invest in retail startups
Marks and Spencer and Founders Factory have partnered for the launch of Founders Factory Retail, a joint venture focused on investing and growing startups. Marks and Spencer will become Founders Factory’s exclusive UK retail partner, investing in a number of startups sourced through Founders Factory’s global network as part of…
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Jun- 2018 -29 June
Tesco joins Amazon and Microsoft ‘checkout-free’ war
Tesco has announced it is trialling new till-free technology as it looks to take on Amazon and Microsoft, which have also been carrying out checkout-free tests. The British supermarket has been trialing the equipment in its Welwyn Garden City branch where its head office is based. The new technology allows…
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18 June
Bitcoin in retail could ‘bring the internet to a halt’
A new report from the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) in Switzerland has claimed Bitcoin would “bring the internet to a halt” if used as a mainstream payment method in the retail sector. The report also claimed that Bitcoin was a “poor substitute” for state-backed currency as the BIS says…
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15 June
Microsoft to take on Amazon in checkout-free showdown
Microsoft is reportedly working on technology to cut out cashiers and checkout queues in shops in the first challenge to Amazon Go who opened their checkout-free store in Seattle in January. Sources close to the development of the technology told media that Microsoft is developing software to track what shoppers…
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11 June
Suresite to move into retail with Costcutter deal
Suresite, the card services and risk management company, and Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) have announced a new partnership deal. The agreement expects retailers to improve Suresite’s terms in their bottom line by gaining access to its processing services and technical expertise. It highlights the competitiveness of CSG, which has continued…
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4 June
Superdrug launches its own mobile phone network
Superdrug has launched a SIM-only mobile phone plan for its Health and Beautycard loyalty members. The mobile network, powered by Three, costs £10 a month and includes unlimited calls and texts and 4GB of data. Any unused data will be rolled over for an extra month, Superdrug said in its…
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May- 2018 -4 May
Over 500 jobs threatened as Virgin Media closes call centre
Virgin Media is set to cull over 500 jobs at a Swansea call centre as part of a shake up at the company. The call centre currently employs 792 people, with some staff moving to the Manchester branch. The broadband and telecoms firm is planning to cut the number of…
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2 May
Ocado announces partnership with Swedish retailer ICA
Online supermarket Ocado has announced a partnership with Swedish grocery retailer ICA to allow use of Ocado’s smart platform services. The announcement saw shares in the online supermarket raise by 5%, and will see Ocado provide solutions for ICA’s online grocery service, including a new website supported by Ocado’s online…
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