Corporate
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Zalando Joins $116 Million Series B Funding for Robotics Startup Sereact
Berlin-based warehouse robotics provider Sereact has secured a strategic investment from Zalando as part of its ongoing $116 million Series B funding round. The infusion of capital brings the startup’s total funding to over $145 million, accelerating its plans for international expansion and the development of its next-generation AI brain.
Shaun Wills joins Poundland as CFO, dismissing 'mischievous' reporting
Shaun Wills officially stepped into his role as Chief Financial Officer at Poundland and Dealz this week, using his arrival to publicly rebuke what he termed a "mischievous and misinformed" press article that had reported on his appointment prematurely.
Retail Tech Weekly: From AI Shelves to Autonomous Stores
The global retail landscape saw a flurry of digital integration this week, as major players moved to embed artificial intelligence into both frontline operations and backend logistics. From Wickes launching a unified commerce pilot to the rise of autonomous container stores, retailers are aggressively chasing efficiency through automation.
EE and Netflix launch immersive sensory experience in London
Fans of Netflix programming can now step into a curated sensory booth at the flagship EE Studio in Westfield, White City. The pop-up installation brings popular titles like Legends and WWE Raw to life, serving as a physical showcase for the streaming content currently available through EE TV packages.
Philippe De Milde leaves Starbucks for Costco architecture lead
After nearly nine years at Starbucks, Philippe De Milde has transitioned to Costco Wholesale to spearhead the retailer's global architecture practice. The move marks a strategic shift for the former Director of Frontline & Workforce Application Platforms as he steps into the role of Director, Enterprise Solution Architecture Practice.
RFID Tracking Aims to Curb Global Meat Waste
Retailers face a looming financial crisis, with meat waste projected to cost the industry $94 billion by 2026. As supermarkets struggle to manage expiry dates through traditional manual systems, radio-frequency identification technology is emerging as a critical tool to monitor stock levels and rotate perishable goods more effectively.
Pizza triumphs in Just Eat's unofficial World Cup of Takeaways
While Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, its signature export secured a decisive victory off the pitch. Data from Just Eat Takeaway.com reveals that pizza dominated match-day orders across six international markets, proving to be the unifying culinary choice for football fans during the tournament.
Installing an Outdoor TV: Beyond the Basics of Weather and Light
Placing a television on a patio or poolside deck transforms more than just the furniture arrangement. While a standard indoor screen might survive a single weekend, the reality of moisture, dust, and direct sunlight demands hardware specifically engineered to withstand the elements rather than just enduring them.
UK Retailers Face Rising Profit Warnings Amid Competitive Divergence
Five FTSE retailers issued profit warnings during the second quarter of 2026, marking a sharp increase from the three recorded in the first three months of the year. New research from EY-Parthenon suggests this trend reflects a growing divide between firms investing in technology and those struggling under fiscal pressure.
JD Sports Triples Sheffield Footprint at Meadowhall
Shoppers in Sheffield will see a significant shift in the retail landscape on July 30, when JD Sports unveils a massive 29,225-square-foot megastore at the Meadowhall shopping centre. The new location, situated on the lower level of the High Street, represents nearly triple the footprint of the retailer's previous space.
Evri deploys Microsoft AI to overhaul parcel logistics
Parcel delivery firm Evri is integrating Microsoft’s AI-powered tools to refine operational efficiency and introduce granular personalization for its 25 million customers. By automating routine inquiries and leveraging cloud-based data, the company aims to resolve long-standing constraints in route optimization and delivery communication.
Stacey Levitt Joins J.Crew to Lead Digital Strategy
After an eight-year tenure at Walmart, Stacey Levitt has transitioned to J.Crew to serve as the brand's Executive Vice President of eCommerce and Digital Experience. The move marks a significant leadership shift for the apparel retailer as it looks to refine its online presence and consumer engagement.
Hammitt Appoints Kyle Brucculeri as First Chief Digital Officer
Los Angeles luxury handbag label Hammitt has named Kyle Brucculeri its inaugural Chief Digital Officer, tasking the veteran executive with unifying the brand’s retail, wholesale, and digital operations. Brucculeri arrives with a 15-year track record in e-commerce and technology, having previously held senior leadership roles at Negative Inc. and gorjana.
Entries open for 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
The 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards have officially opened for submissions, seeking to highlight the most impactful technological advancements in the global omnichannel retail sector. Winners will be announced on November 4th during a ceremony held at The HAC in Central London, following a rigorous evaluation by an international panel of industry experts.
How Asiacell scaled AI to automate 79% of customer support
Asiacell, the largest telecommunications provider in the EMEA region, has achieved a 79% automation rate for digital customer interactions using AI agents. By deploying a system named Laila, the company successfully shifted its service model, effectively reducing monthly voice call volumes from one million to approximately 500,000.
Social Commerce Shifts Younger Shoppers Away From Traditional Websites
Nearly half of Gen Z and Gen Y shoppers have utilized TikTok Shop for purchases in the last three months, signaling a sharp departure from traditional digital storefronts. New data from Savvy reveals that social platforms are effectively closing the gap with conventional e-commerce by blending entertainment with instant purchasing power.
AI adoption and leadership shifts define the week in retail tech
A collaborative study between Gap Inc. and Microsoft reveals that forcing rigid AI workflows on employees triggers a measurable 'AI hangover,' while a more flexible, mindset-driven approach yields superior results. This insight highlights the growing human-centric challenges retailers face as they integrate complex new technologies into their operations.
Foot Locker and Champs Sports launch on-demand delivery via Uber Eats
Customers across the United States can now secure footwear and apparel from Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, and Champs Sports through the Uber Eats app. The partnership expands the delivery platform’s retail footprint to over 1,000 storefronts, enabling both immediate on-demand arrivals and scheduled drop-offs for shoppers.
DCYPHER Beauty Brings AI-Driven Customization to John Lewis
Shoppers at the John Lewis flagship on Oxford Street will soon bypass mass-market foundation aisles for a bespoke experience. Starting in August, DCYPHER Beauty is debuting its AI-powered, made-to-measure complexion technology in the UK, marking a move toward precision-based retail that eliminates the need for traditional, pre-mixed shade ranges.
Kallikor founder Jonathan Barrett steps down as Jack O’Connell takes CEO role
Co-founder Jack O’Connell has been named CEO of supply chain technology firm Kallikor, as the company formalizes its leadership transition. Jonathan Barrett, who launched the business in 2024, will exit the top post to lead a newly established advisory board focused on the next stage of company growth.
Shawn Harris Departs Chipotle After Four-Year Security Tenure
“After four incredible years, I’ve made the decision to leave Chipotle Mexican Grill,” Shawn Harris announced in a LinkedIn post this week. The Deputy Chief Information Security Officer, who served under CISO Dave Estlick, leaves behind a legacy of expanded security maturity and a restructured enterprise team.
Instacart Acquires Computer Vision Firm Arpalus to Boost Shelf Intelligence
Instacart has acquired Arpalus, a computer vision startup specializing in real-time shelf monitoring for grocery retail. By integrating Arpalus’ technology, the grocery giant aims to synchronize physical store inventory with its e-commerce platform, ensuring that digital data accurately reflects what shoppers actually see on the shelves at any given moment.
Google and Screwfix Partner to Bring AI Tools to UK Tradespeople
A new collaboration between Google and Screwfix aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the daily workflows of UK builders, plumbers, and electricians. By deploying practical training directly to retail locations, the initiative seeks to automate administrative tasks and boost small business productivity by an estimated 20 percent.
Jack Johnson leaves Ocado to lead Joybuy’s European retail media expansion
After five years of shaping the advertising landscape at Ocado Retail, Jack Johnson is shifting his focus to JD.com’s international arm. The former Head of Retail Media & Data will now spearhead the development of Joybuy’s retail media operations across the UK and Europe, marking a significant move for the Chinese e-commerce giant.
Wild Fork Foods Scales AI Operating System After Pilot Success
After a nine-week trial yielded significant gains in sales, margins, and inventory accuracy, Wild Fork Foods is deploying the Thri5 AI operating system across its United States retail footprint. The move signals a shift from experimental AI testing to a full-scale operational rollout for the meat and seafood retailer.
Retail Tech Weekly: Uber's $14.8 Billion Acquisition and AI Expansion
A massive $14.8 billion deal between Uber and Delivery Hero dominated the retail landscape this week, signaling a major consolidation in the global food delivery sector. Beyond the headlines of high-stakes acquisitions, retailers are increasingly deploying physical AI and robotics to automate store operations and enhance customer experiences.
Marc Lore’s Wonder Hits $9 Billion Valuation with $650 Million Raise
A $9 billion pre-money valuation now anchors Marc Lore’s food technology startup, Wonder, following a $650 million Series D funding round. The capital injection positions the company to aggressively scale its robotics-driven infrastructure and physical footprint as it prepares for a potential public offering within the next three to four years.
A Week of Mega-Deals and AI Shifts in Global Retail
A flurry of high-stakes acquisitions and rapid technological pivots defined the retail landscape this week, as Uber moved to secure Delivery Hero for $14.8 billion while AI-driven startups drew massive capital, signaling a broader industry push toward total digital integration and automated workforce management.
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Kuehne+Nagel Migrates Global Warehouse Operations to Blue Yonder Cloud
Spanning over 1,000 sites in nearly 100 countries, Kuehne+Nagel has begun transitioning its proprietary warehouse management system, KN SwiftLOG, to a cloud-native platform. The initiative, powered by Blue Yonder technology, integrates agentic AI to standardize logistics workflows and accelerate response times across the company’s worldwide supply chain network.
Shu Uemura debuts AI-driven 3D mirror at Tokyo flagship
Inside the new shu:ARTstage flagship in Tokyo’s Omotesando Hills, Shu Uemura is moving beyond traditional vanity mirrors. The L’Oréal-owned brand has deployed an AI-powered 3D facial scanning mirror, developed by Loook.ai, to provide customers with precise beauty insights and personalized product recommendations.