RTIH’s biggest retail technology news stories of the week — Retail Technology Innovation Hub

3. Royal Mail notches up a first as it launches partnership with parcel locker operator Quadient

Royal Mail has launched a new partnership with Quadient, giving its customers access to parcel lockers for the first time.

The first lockers will launch in Coventry in April, with further locations opening in the following months.

Around 1,500 are expected by the end of the year, with further plans for 3,000 across the UK.

The lockers will initially allow customers to drop off returns and pre-paid parcels before being expanded so that customers can have items delivered to them for pick up.  

The partnership with Quadient adds to the recent announcement that Royal Mail customers will be able to use up to 5,000 Collect+ stores to drop off and collect parcels.

Together, this will increase the number of locations where customers can drop off parcels to more than 21,000, including 3,000 lockers, 11,500 Post Office branches, 5,000 Collect+ stores, 1,200 Royal Mail Customer Service Points and 1,200 parcel postboxes.

4. The SSE Arena, Belfast achieves a checkout-free shopping first with Amazon Just Walk Out technology tie up

The SSE Arena, Belfast has announced a collaboration with Amazon to implement the US online giant’s Just Walk Out technology at the venue, making it the first indoor arena in Europe to offer checkout-free shopping.

This will be located on the first floor and named PAY & AWAY.

Guests will enter by using their chosen contactless payment method at the entry gate, with the technology then detecting what customers take from or return to the shelves and creating a virtual shopping session.

When they complete their shopping experience, they can leave without waiting in line, and their chosen payment method will be charged for the items taken.

5. The time is now for Sainsbury’s as UK grocery giant eyes huge potential for growth and market share gains

Sainsbury’s has more potential for growth and market share gains than any other grocer in the UK.

At present, however, there is too much focus on reducing costs and not enough focus on innovation.

That’s the view of Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “Although the size of the United States grocery market is around $850 billion annually, I believe the most fiercely competitive grocery market is that of Great Britain, with a market size of $295 billion.”

The market is dominated by four British retailers with a long history of operating in the country: Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, and Asda.

Ladd commented: “I’m often asked which of the grocery retailers in the UK do I admire the most and who do I believe has the most potential.”

“In my opinion, Sainsbury’s has more potential for growth and market share gains than any other grocer in the UK. I’ve also stated several times that if Amazon wants to acquire a grocery retailer in the UK, they should acquire Sainsbury’s.”