Magdalena Nowak

After a successful year of testing at its distribution centre in Winterslag, Belgium, Ikea is rolling out Swiss manufacturer Verity's AI drones for stocktaking to more locations. The autonomous drones take the stock of Ikea’s stores and distribution centres. Last year, selected stores used the drones only outside of the opening hours.

DIY retailer Ace Hardware in the US is boosting the efficiency of its stores with solutions from VusionGroup. The technology provider's electronic shelf labels (ESLs) have been implemented in Ace Hardware stores. The DIY store operator aims to use VusionGroup's technology to enhance both the customer experience and operational efficiency across its extensive retail network.

Self-checkout technology continues to grow in the retail sector. According to the latest report from RBR Data Services, now part of Datos Insights, more than 217,000 self-checkout devices were delivered worldwide last year.

BIC is using the services of Bayard to optimise its product content management. The product content specialist, part of the Markant Group, is reviewing and implementing the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN) data model in the complex European market.

British fashion retailer Regatta has rolled out One Iota's in-store staff mobile app across its stores in Ireland. The cloud-based app runs on Adyen's Android device and also uses the technology provider's omnichannel payment solution. The move is part of the fashion retailer's strategy to improve the customer experience.

British retail co-operative Central Co-op has implemented Retail Insight’s new Prompted Markdown feature. With the solution, Central Co-op can identify products near expiry, allowing the retailer to take action to minimise waste.

Specialist tea retailer TeeGschwendner is implementing Snabble's self-checkout solution on Pyramid hardware in its stores. Thanks to the solution, shoppers can now choose between Scan & Go, checkout at an SCO or a combination of the two.

VF Corporation, parent company of brands such as The North Face, has improved its in-store processes with smartphone apps powered by Scandit and SAP Fiori. The solution integrated Scandit's barcode scanning software and was built with SAP’s app toolbox Fiori.

DIY store operator Obi uses Vtex technology to offer its customers a seamless omnichannel shopping experience with various delivery and collection options. Among other things, shoppers can collect their online orders within just two hours via Click & Collect.

The specialist in Order Management Systems (OMS) OneStock has received a 72 million US- Dollar investment from Summit Partners. The funding will enable the technology provider to expand internationally, particularly in the US market.