Retail Tech Weekly: M&S, The Entertainer, and Global Automation Shifts

Marks & Spencer has expanded its commitment to reducing waste, launching a nationwide partnership with the Too Good To Go app. Over 350 stores now offer 'Surprise Bags' of surplus bakery items, a move that aligns with the retailer's ambitious Plan A goal to halve food waste by 2030. Meanwhile, The Entertainer has tapped THG Commerce to overhaul its digital footprint. The multi-year agreement aims to deploy AI-powered search and conversational discovery tools, slated for a spring 2027 rollout, to create a more personalized shopping experience for toy collectors and families.

Operational efficiency remains a primary driver for the sector. Aldi UK recently finalized its transition to a nationwide SAP ERP system, marking the completion of a multi-year supply chain upgrade. In the logistics space, GXO and Exotec have deployed a high-speed Skypod automation system for Guess in the Netherlands, capable of processing 70,000 pieces per day. Furthermore, Waitrose has extended its contract with Trust Retail through 2031, preparing to scale an inventory management system that provides real-time stock visibility across its entire estate by early 2027.