Technology news

Ocado Retail has announced plans to open a sixth Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) in Bristol. First mini-CFC Ocado Retail will open its first mini-CFC, located in Bristol at the end of 2020 or into early 2021. The facility will have the capacity for more than 30,000 orders per week. This compares to the 85,000 orders per week that is expected from Ocado’s fifth CFC that is currently being b...

Morrisons has launched an initiative to market discounted boxes of fresh food that has reached its 'best before' date. Using technology to reduce waste From November 26th customers will be able to use the Too Good to Go app to purchase boxes of unsold fresh food. The boxes, containing fruit and vegetables, bakery and deli items worth at least £10, will be sold for as little as £3.09 acros...

Sainsbury's has launched the full digitisation of its Nectar loyalty scheme, following successful trials - with a new website, app and personalised offers. New app and website launched From October 2nd, customers will be able to access new weekly offers using an enhanced app and website.  Personalised bonus Nectar points will also be available on products they buy regularly at Sainsbury’s, ...

In collaboration with tech start-up AiFi, Carrefour has opened its first automated store in its headquarters in Massy. Separately, the retailer has said it has extended the use of blockchain technology to more of its products. Store to operate as part of a six-month test The opening of the 56 sq. m store, as reported by trade publication LSA, sees Carrefour trial a solution that will enable...

Two of the leading checkout-free innovators in the US, Standard Cognition and Zippin Market, will deploy their technology at concession stores within sports stadiums. Standard Cognition partnering with Worcester Red Sox Both San Francisco based companies are set to deploy their solutions over the next nine months. Standard Cognition, which operates a cashier-less store in the city, is partn...

M&S has partnered with Infarm - one of the world's leading urban farming platforms - to deliver a range of fresh produce grown and harvested in a selection of M&S' London stores. Six stores to trial six herb range The range includes a selection of fresh herbs - basils, mint, parsleys and coriander - grown in a special cabinet at M&S’ newly re-opened Clapham Junction store in South West Lond...

Sainsbury's has ended its till-free store experiment at Holborn Circus Local after concluding that not all of its customers were ready for it. Trial made app the primary way to pay The trial was launched in April and made Sainsbury's 'SmartShop Scan, Pay and Go' technology the primary way to pay for purchases at the store. Customers have needed to download the app, scan their purchases as...

As Kroger and Ocado announce Dallas as the fifth location for a Customer Fulfillment Centre (CFC), we consider where the retailer may go next. Suite of fulfillment options Last year, Kroger formed a strategic partnership with Ocado to develop up to 20 CFCs. These will support the growth of its grocery ecommerce business which currently includes store pickup, same-day delivery in partnership w...

Co-op’s Retail Business Transformation programme (RBT) is the biggest transformation programme the convenience store retailer has ever undertaken. System pilot launched with 15 suppliers The pilot will support Co-op’s “ambitious growth strategy”, bringing new technology to optimise metrics such as availability, stock holding and ranging, in addition to improving the accuracy of forecasting ...

National convenience retailer Co-op is to extend the trial of its app-based pay-in-aisle technology, with 30 stores planned to be enabled for shoppers to scan and pay through their mobile phones, without the need visit a till, by the end of August.  The system allows for payment through either Apple or Google Pay and was first unveiled in early 2018. 30 stores focused in busy urban locations ...