These retailers and brands are leading the way in providing technology and experiences that are one step ahead of their customers’ expectations.

1. Tesco Ireland

Tesco Ireland has become the first Irish retailer to create a recycling solution for soft plastics. 

Using technology developed by startup Paltech, these will be flaked and prepared for processing into construction materials to be used in the Tesco Ireland network for new stores, and in store maintenance and refits including buildings, car park barriers and signage.

2. Holland & Barrett

Holland & Barrett has completed the roll-out of its built from the ground up Bumblebee till system.

3. Waitrose

Waitrose is rolling out a new mobile application that will help it assess and understand the emotional wellbeing of its farm animals.

This has been developed by animal behavioural scientists at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and licensed by the retailer for trial and development for two years.

4. Shopify

Shopify is expanding its online checkout service Shop Pay to merchants selling on Facebook and Instagram. 

This is the first time the solution will move beyond the e-commerce platform provider’s merchant stores. 

5. Walgreens Boots Alliance

BT has inked a multi-year agreement with Walgreens Boots Alliance to continue to be the company’s network partner in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 

Steve Rempel, Senior VP and International CIO, WBA, says: “We chose BT because we share a focus on delivering standout customer experiences.”

“Our digital plans demand full visibility, control and security of applications and data crossing our network so we can join up in-store and online experiences for customers and colleagues alike.”

6. Home Depot

Home Depot has opened a 1.5 million square foot automated fulfilment centre in Dallas, as part of the retailer's $1.2 billion supply chain investment announced in 2017.

"We're focused on creating an easier and more convenient shopping experience for our customers' home improvement needs, whether they shop in stores or online," says Stephanie Smith, Senior VP of Supply Chain at The Home Depot. 

"Our supply chain is the foundation for delivering on our pro and DIY customers' changing expectations, which is why we're investing to offer same day and next day delivery to 90% of the US population."

7. Koyo Group

Frictionless shopping startup Zippin’s Japan partner, Fujitsu, has worked with Koyo Group to implement what is pitched as the world’s first checkout-free store within a hotel.

Situated in the Yokohama Techno Tower Hotel, it is also the first store in Japan open to the general public that uses biometric authentication technology to verify customers’ identities. 

8. Stadium Goods

Sneaker and streetwear retailer, Stadium Goods, has extended its partnership with Mercaux by deploying the venture’s mobile payments solution.

This sits alongside an existing suite of Mercaux solutions, with the aim of “completely digitalising the customer's in-store path to purchase experience with the Store Associates offering.”

9. Ocado

Ocado this week said it would stump up £700 million for new projects for its technology clients in 2021 as group sales in the year to 29th November reached £2.3 billion.

10. Walmart

Walmart has acquired the technology and IP behind adtech solution Thunder.

This will be a key part of a new self-serve display advertising platform that Walmart plans to roll-out later this year.

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