Retail Technology Tools

Convenience retail: where every penny counts Convenience stores operate on some of the tightest margins in retail. Rising energy costs, wage increases, and theft make cost management a daily battle. Yet, across the UK, independent retailers are showing how smart technology, process optimisation, and discipline can unlock significant savings. Several approaches stand out: • Staff productivity: Automating stock checks and order forecasting with advanced EPoS systems can save up to 12 staff hours per week – hours that can be redirected to customer service and sales. • Promotion cycles: Moving away from rigid four-week cycles towards staggered promotions avoids costly staff surges. One Stop Stores Ltd achieved ~£600 weekly savings with this approach. • Apps for operations: Low-cost tools like Connecteam simplify compliance, shift management, and reporting – reducing admin costs and preventing the need for extra hires. • Security discipline & smart locking: With UK shoplifting at a 20-year high, retailers like Costcutter ’s Peter Patel limit evening facings of high-value products. But there’s another evolution: grab-and-go cabinets that act as a “high value shop in the shop”, released only after credit card tap (or app) and potentially age verification. —> A leading example is Reckon.ai, a Portuguese startup whose AI and computer vision modules transform existing cabinets, fridges, shelves into autonomous smart units. —> Customers unlock the cabinet (via payment or authorized app), pick what they need, and simply close the door — all tracked in real time, with inventory updates and automatic checkout. —> This combines the convenience of self-service with the protection of a controlled environment. • Energy management: Smart plugs, timers, and recovery systems optimise usage. For heavy users, suppliers like SmartNest Energy, British Gas and EDF offer tailored contracts – but the key is short-term flexibility. • Cash handling automation: Smart safes digitise deposits, reduce errors, and free up staff from manual counting. The UK convenience retail market exceeds £47 billion annually, with over 46,000 stores serving millions. Efficiency at the execution level is not optional — it is a survival imperative. #retail #convenienceretail #fmcg #grocery #storeoperations #epos #retailtechnology #efficiency #staffproductivity #promotionstrategy #retailsolutions #energymanagement #sustainableretail #smartretail #security #cashhandling #lossprevention #retailsavings #omnichannel #automation #retailapps #ukretail #europeanretail #retailsecurity #retailinnovation #smallbusiness #ukbusiness #europebusiness #retailtrends #retaitech #foodtech

There was one announcement at Money20/20 last week that seemed to fly a little under the radar, possibly because it had little to do with AI or stablecoins. 31 banks and fintechs including NatWest, Nationwide, HSBC, Lloyds, Monzo, Starling, GoCardless, TrueLayer, and Plaid, came together under the UK Payments Initiative (UKPI) to launch a new payment scheme built around Commercial Variable Recurring Payments (cVRP). For the first time, the industry has a shared rulebook, commercial framework (although I'm yet to find the elusive Schedule 6 with pricing so please DM me if you have it), and operational standards for recurring account-to-account payments. In other words: ➡️ Subscription payments without cards ➡️ Utility payments without Direct Debit ➡️ Variable recurring payments directly from bank accounts ➡️ A credible alternative to Visa and Mastercard for certain payment flows VRP or "me-to-me" payments, where money is swept between accounts owned by the same person, have been around for a while. Commercial VRP is different. Although it's built off the same OB protocols, it allows businesses to collect variable recurring payments directly from a customer's bank account, with customer consent and predefined limits. The win for so many businesses is that UKPI, which is technically the newest UK payment scheme since Faster Payments back in 2008, provides a simple and low cost way to take recurring payments where businesses would have traditionally turned to a card or a cheaper but still pricey direct debit (current costs of UKPI billing start at £0.02) Wave 1 of the rollout which went live last week was deliberately focused on lower-risk sectors including: ⚡ Utilities and telecoms 🚆 Rail operators 🏦 Regulated financial services (savings, investments, pensions, mortgages) 💳 E-money institutions 🏛️ Central and local government ❤️ Charities Wave 2 is where things get really interesting, with industry proposals already focused on ecommerce and much broader merchant adoption. Meaning we could see merchants provide discounts on pricing to switch subscriptions from card to UKPI, merchants reduce Card on file and the associated risks, and businesses benefit from the payment continuity from having a recurring payment connected to a bank account rather than an expiring card. As you can tell, I'm pretty excited about this because we might finally have a viable answer to the question "𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗱𝘂𝗼𝗽𝗼𝗹𝘆?" If you want to learn more about the underlying mechanism of this scheme, I recently published a deep dive into cVRP which included What VRP is, the difference between VRP and cVRP, use cases for cVRP and more👇🏽 I'd love to hear your thoughts...Will cVRP become a mainstream payment method over the next 5 years, or will cards remain untouchable? https://lnkd.in/e9vSsnCx

- From the humble bar codes to ‘intuitive’ algorithms- On June 26, 1974, a cashier in Troy, Ohio scanned a pack of Wrigley’s gum and quietly launched a revolution that made modern trade possible. The humble bar code. It was first seen as a simple efficiency tool, but went on to reshape global retail. Before that moment, every price was punched in manually. Stock was managed with clipboards. Errors were frequent. Customer data? Almost non-existent. The bar code changed all that. ✅ Faster checkouts No more manual keying as cashiers could simply scan and move. This slashed queue times and made high volume retail possible. ✅ Real time inventory updates Each scan instantly adjusted stock levels, enabling smarter restocking and minimizing lost sales due to stockouts. ✅ Data led decisions Retailers could now track every product’s movement—what sells, when, and where—fueling more informed business strategies. ✅ Supply chain visible Bar codes linked every point in the product journey, from warehouse to shelf, improving logistics and reducing waste. ✅ Universal retail interoperability Bar codes created a standardized system across brands, retailers, and countries, enabling globalization and interoperability at scale. A digital layer was added to physical retail. For the first time, stores could think like systems. What more ? Now, a new revolution is here. If bar codes were the first wave of smart retail, AI is the tsunami. 💡 While bar codes track what is being sold, AI can now predict when, to whom, why, and at what price. 🧠 Predictive Inventory AI forecasts demand by analyzing weather, trends, local events, and social signal avoiding overstock or missed sales. 🛍️ Personalized Promotions Every scan today feeds AI engines that tailor offers to individuals, not segments. 🎯 Dynamic Pricing Bar codes made static pricing possible; AI enables real-time pricing based on demand, competition, and inventory levels. 👁️🗨️ Computer Vision Checkout No scanning needed—AI-powered cameras recognize products and charge instantly, eliminating friction. 📦 Automated Supply Chains AI coordinates logistics, vendor orders, and delivery routes in real time. What started as a black-and-white stripe has now become a complex, invisible web of intelligence, efficiency, and personalization. Yet, the differentiator has to be making the customer journey faster, easier, and more meaningful. The bar code democratized data. AI humanizes it. It’s not just scanning. It’s sensing, predicting, optimizing and redefining retail from shelf to screen. #RetailInnovation #BarCodeToAI #FutureOfRetail #RetailTech #AIInRetail #SmartCommerce

𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱, 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 I still remember those endless nights in SEPHORA, manually counting thousands of items. That’s why Starbucks’ announcement today resonated so strongly with me. They are rolling out AI-powered automated counting across all their North America coffeehouses: 11k stores. What’s remarkable is the technology mix: 👀 Computer vision to instantly recognize products on shelves. 🔢 3D spatial intelligence to capture placement and quantities. 🪩 Augmented reality overlays guiding partners through the process. 📈 AI analytics that flag low-stock items and will soon automate replenishment orders. The results are striking: ✅ Inventory now counted 8x more frequently. ✅ A process that used to take one hour, now takes minutes. They are reporting a saving of 16,500 hours per week. ✅ Sales people spend less time in the backroom and more time crafting and connecting with customers. Starbucks calls it “technology in the background, craft and connection in the foreground”. And that’s exactly why it matters: technology here is the enabler of efficiency, consistency, and focus on consumer experience. Starbucks is not alone. Walmart with robots scanning shelves, Inditex embedding RFID across its stores, and Amazon Go pioneering frictionless checkout all point to the same truth: the future of retail advantage lies in mastering the invisible backbone of operations. 👉 We’ve moved beyond pilots and “experiments.” AI, AR and computer vision are becoming part of operational infrastructure. Having lived both sides, the manual counts and the promise of automation, I guess this will become the standard for every retailer. #RetailInnovation #AI #AugmentedReality #Operations #CustomerExperience

AI is changing how we shop and how retail jobs are done. More than 15 million Americans work in retail (BLS). It’s one of the largest sectors in the economy and one where both consumers and frontline workers are starting to interact with AI in real ways. As the 2025 holiday season is in full swing, Rachel Brown on my team looked at new data on how AI is showing up in retail: from what shoppers are doing with it, to how it’s changing day-to-day work on the floor. Shoppers are using AI and converting at higher rates Nearly 60% of U.S. adults report using AI to help them shop this year. Some use it to compare prices. Others turn to tools like ChatGPT for gift ideas or product reviews. One signal that stood out: shoppers who land on retail sites via an AI assistant are 38% more likely to make a purchase (Adobe Analytics). That could reflect better targeting or that consumers are turning to AI when they already have high intent to buy. Even though most online purchases now happen on mobile, the vast majority of AI-generated traffic is still coming from desktops. That may change as interfaces evolve. AI is shaping how people expect to shop Consumers are getting used to more conversational search. Some even say they trust AI more than friends for product advice (Cian, 2025). But they also express concerns around scams, data privacy, and losing the “human touch.” That presents a real design and trust challenge for retailers. There’s a fine line between providing real value and being seen as using AI to optimize margin at the customer’s expense. On the retail floor, AI is starting to augment AI is showing up in inventory systems, virtual assistants, and mobile tools for frontline workers. Lowe’s, for example, is using its MyLow Companion to give associates real-time answers on products or stock without needing to radio for help. In addition to adding tools, AI is changing roles. A survey of employers found 62% plan to retrain or upskill retail workers for new tasks as AI adoption increases (TotalRetail). One case worth watching: Ikea. When call center jobs were automated, they retrained 8,500 workers to become virtual interior design advisors. That team generated $1.4B in revenue in 2022 alone (Reuters). What this tells us about AI and frontline work It’s early, but retail offers a useful testbed for AI’s broader impact on consumer-facing industries. The risks are real. But we’re also seeing evidence that, with investment in training and thoughtful role design, AI can support both better customer experiences and new forms of frontline work.

Tesco have put a 6ft 5 robot into one of their stores. It is called Tally and moves around the aisles several times a day, checking for gaps and errors. It can scan between 15,000 and 30,000 products an hour. Cue the obvious debate about automation, labour costs and robots taking jobs. Instead, I think the more interesting opportunity is using technology as a lever for growth. Tesco already know what went through the till and what should be in stock. What is harder to know is what the shopper actually found when they reached the shelf. An empty shelf is lost demand. There are lots of reasons for that: a poor promotion, merchandising or stock replenishment. Having an always-on read of what has happened will help minimise the lost value. More broadly, technology is playing a more useful role in the retail environment. Recent Tesco announcements include the rollout of electronic shelf labels, greater use of autonomous cleaning and tests of AI tools to help colleagues and customers plan meals and build baskets. None of these things is especially impactful on its own just yet, but together, especially when you include loyalty schemes like Clubcard, they create a much more connected store. I do not think the future is a shop with no people in it. A robot can spot an empty shelf, but it cannot provide proper value to customers. Instead, the upside of the technology is helping teams across the business act faster, recovering sales that would otherwise be lost and making the store work better for the people already shopping there. We’ll see lots of changes to the layouts of stores over the next few years. I think this is just the beginning. I expect some big moves in the personalisation of media, more on promotions and lots, lots more to come on actual product selection and diets. Overall, retailers are getting much better at seeing where demand is being lost, then doing something about it.

There’s a concern that AI will adversely impact physical retail, replacing stores and people with automation, robotics and digital-only experiences. But that's not what I believe will happen. I believe in vibrant, viable spaces that draw people in, and where physical retail can thrive. But as the AI-first generation starts to reinvent shopping (at least as we know it), stores will certainly start to look, feel and work differently. AI isn’t about replacing stores; it’s about making them work smarter and more efficiently, and making them more engaging for both customers, colleagues and communities. These are 'Amplified stores'. Here’s how AI could redefine and amplify retail stores: ✅ Finally making omnichannel happen. It seems that the concept of omnichannel retail isn't going away anytime soon, so there are many ways that AI could help overcome challenges of data silos, integration, communication and more. AI and AI-enabled customers could unleash deeply connected, immersive shopping and hyper-personalised service across all channels. ✅ AI-powered personalisation through the visit. Imagine digital signage, product recommendations, or retail media tailored to you as soon as you walk by or into a store. Not just generic ads, but content relevant to your interests, purchase history, and even current needs in the moment. If you caught my earlier post on 'Anticipated Retail', you’ll know how this naturally extends into the physical world. ✅ Bespoke and on-demand production at scale. 3D printing is revolutionising manufacturing. But what happens when AI-first customers take control, instantly customising products across multiple materials and formats? Imagine this: - Perfectly fitting shoes, with innersoles printed in-store. - Clothing tailored to your preferences, all chosen on the spot. - Skincare formulated to your skin’s unique characteristics. AI will enable mass customisation at scale, giving customers creative control like never before. And this is just the beginning... more on this soon! ✅ AI will change store operations, but who will actually run the store? Today, there is still a lot of unproductive work for colleagues to do (e.g. admin, stock checks, reconciliation tasks etc). So of course, AI has the opportunity to streamline these, plus elements like forecasting, ordering and rota scheduling (AI is actually already doing all of this plus more), but what about the customer-facing role? And who serves customers? Digital assistants? Or people, empowered and more capable than ever with real-time insights to offer bespoke advice and expert viewpoints? I'm developing my thoughts on all of this, but I’d love to hear what you think. The AI-first generation will not usher in the 'end' of stores - but they will trigger a major reinvention of almost everything. How do you see AI (and AI-enabled customers and colleagues) shaping the stores and retail? #retail #retailinnovation #AI #retailtransformation #artificialintelligence

Reliance Retail turned shopping into a tech experience that's making ZARA look outdated. For years, international fashion giants like Zara dominated India's premium market but their slower adaptation to digital and local trends has allowed competitors like Reliance to capture the market. But that era might be ending. I recently explored one of AZORTE's 19 stores at Bengaluru's Phoenix Mall of Asia and was amazed by how technology is reshaping retail. The difference is immediately noticeable: → Interactive trial rooms:  Smart mirrors with RFID sensors detect what you bring in and allow you to request different sizes through touchscreen panels. Associates receive alerts directly to their devices. → 3D body scanners:  Five-second scans create your digital avatar, then AI algorithms match your specific measurements with inventory that will fit perfectly. → Contactless checkout:  Their mobile POS system lets associates complete transactions anywhere in the store using secure NFC technology. They are focusing a lot on data. While customers enjoy seamless shopping, Reliance is building something more valuable: ● A database of Indian fashion preferences and body types  ● Real-time insights on price sensitivities  ● Localized trend forecasting that foreign brands can't match The strategy is working. Reliance Retail's Fashion segment reported an 18% revenue increase to ₹90,000 crore in Q3 FY25 Their expansion plans are also aggressive: ➡ 250 new stores within three years. Each one becomes another intelligence point in their retail network. What looks like just another fashion chain is actually a data operation disguised as retail, one that foreign brands can't easily copy. Have you visited an Azorte store yet? #retail #innovation #fashion #technology

Recurring Payments: What Every Business Should Know. 👇 If your business offers subscriptions or repeat billing, recurring payments are the lifeblood of your cash flow, but getting them right is about more than just charging a card every month. Here’s what you should consider when setting up or scaling recurring payments: ✅ Support for All Major Payment Methods To reduce friction and increase conversions, offer a range of payment options including: ➡️ Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover ➡️ Direct Debit: A stable, trusted method with strong consumer protection ➡️ Pay by Bank: Increasingly popular for those who prefer instant, account-to-account payments, variable recurring payments remain a work in progress in the retail environment ➡️ Digital Wallets: Apple Pay and others now support recurring billing, ideal for mobile-first customers and at the click of a button 🔄 Ease of Cancellation = Trust Make it easy for customers to cancel. Why? ➡️ Reduces disputes and chargebacks ➡️ Builds long-term brand trust ➡️ Encourages them to return later, rather than churn out frustrated ➡️ Transparency and ease are key to a sustainable recurring model 🔧 Smart Tech Behind the Scenes: Updater Services & Network Tokens Card expirations and replacements used to be a big problem, but now? 🔹 Account updater services (like Visa Account Updater and Mastercard Automatic Billing Updater) automatically update stored card details when a card is replaced or renewed, reducing failed payments and involuntary churn. 🔹 Network tokens take this a step further. They replace card details with a secure, tokenised version that stays valid even when the underlying card changes, offering higher authorisation rates and enhanced security. Together, these innovations keep your billing cycle smooth and your customer experience seamless. 🧠 Why Stability Still Matters Direct debit may feel “old school,” but it remains: ➡️ Exceptionally reliable ➡️ Protected by strong consumer guarantees ➡️ Ideal as a trusted fallback or even primary option in certain markets Combining modern flexibility with stable, regulated solutions is often the smartest approach for long-term success. Recurring payments are not just a billing method, they’re a customer experience. Make it seamless, secure, and adaptable, and your revenue (and reputation) will thank you.

A retailer spending billions on stores might sound old school. Then Target revealed what those stores are about to become and the room suddenly got very quiet. A cultural reset is rare in retail. A cultural reset paired with a supply chain redesign is the kind of shift that turns entire categories upside down. Target is splitting its fleet into two clear roles. Some locations become guest magnets. Others become silent fulfilment engines. The old model of every store doing everything is being retired with a polite smile. Digital fulfilment moves out of several metro stores so teams can stop drowning in order picking and start focusing on experience again. At the same time the fulfilment nodes behind the scenes get smarter, faster and stocked with the products that drive most of the volume. The result is a leaner network that quietly cuts costs while making customers feel like service just got better. It is a clever mix of optics and operations that many brands will underestimate. Here is where the opportunity and the risk show up for sellers and operators: 🛒 Better availability expectations 📦 Faster routing decisions across fulfilment nodes 🔍 More pressure on accurate product data and forecasting 🧭 New store roles that change how products should be positioned 🤖 Greater reliance on AI driven trend and demand tools The market reads this as an internal clean up. It is actually a competitive rewire. #ecommerce #marketplaces #retail #supplychain #digitalcommerce