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Lidl Plus Completes Global Expansion With US Market Entry
With the launch of Lidl Plus in the United States on July 15, the discount retailer has successfully unified its loyalty program across all 32 countries where it operates. The platform now serves over 120 million users, marking a significant milestone in the company’s digital transformation strategy.
Damien Corcoran appointed CEO of Thailand’s Jaspal Group
Damien Corcoran, a veteran executive with experience at Sainsbury’s, Aldi UK, and Whole Foods Market, has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Thailand-based Jaspal Group. He steps into the role with a mandate to oversee the next phase of growth for the fashion and lifestyle retail business.
Phia faces scrutiny over alleged affiliate commission manipulation
The AI shopping startup Phia, co-founded by Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, faces allegations of cookie stuffing that may have diverted sales commissions. Following a Bloomberg investigation into the company’s referral practices, the startup has been suspended from the affiliate platform Impact.com, casting a shadow over its recent $185 million valuation.
SmartNovo launches AI-powered autonomous container stores in Poland
Occupying just 21 square metres, the first AI-driven autonomous store from SmartNovo has debuted in Poland under the Lewiatan brand. The facility operates without staff or queues, utilizing a system that manages everything from inventory tracking and dynamic pricing to security, all while being fully relocatable by truck within an hour.
OurCoop taps LoweConex to centralize HVAC and refrigeration telemetry
Following the merger of Central Co-op, Chelmsford Star, and Midcounties Co-operative, the newly formed OurCoop is consolidating its infrastructure management. The retailer has tapped LoweConex to deploy its Conex OS platform, aiming to unify telemetry data across HVAC and refrigeration systems to drive maintenance and energy efficiency.
Peter Trew joins Pizza Express to spearhead data strategy
Retail industry veteran Peter Trew has stepped into the role of Director of Data & Analytics at Pizza Express. Tasked with refining the chain's digital intelligence, Trew brings a decade of experience from the Medical Defence Union and a background rooted in high-profile fashion and e-commerce retail sectors.
Shu Uemura debuts AI-powered beauty mirrors in Tokyo flagship
Stepping into the new shu:ARTstage flagship store in Omotesando Hills, customers encounter more than just reflective glass. Shu Uemura has integrated Loook.ai technology into its mirrors, transforming a passive vanity surface into an interactive diagnostic tool that performs 3D facial scanning to generate personalized makeup recommendations.
Former Tiffany & Co. executive Marc Struwig shifts to fashion startup COD3D
Marc Struwig, a veteran technology director formerly of Tiffany & Co., has confirmed his transition into the apparel industry with the upcoming launch of his own clothing line, COD3D. The project, which has been in development for several months, is currently undergoing a formal trademarking process.
Lululemon hits the court with Trafford Centre pop-up
A branded padel court has appeared at the Trafford Centre, marking the expansion of Lululemon’s retail presence at the leisure destination. The two-week activation aims to draw foot traffic by capitalizing on the rapid growth of the racquet sport, blending high-end retail with an interactive visitor experience.
Costa Coffee Returns to Luton Airport With 24/7 Digital Hub
A £750,000 investment has brought a new Costa Coffee to London Luton Airport, marking the brand’s return to the terminal. Located in the departures area, the store operates around the clock and emphasizes speed, integrating touchscreen kiosks and Click & Collect services directly through the Costa Club mobile application.
Yours Clothing integrates Shop Pay via Remarkable Commerce
UK plus-size retailer Yours Clothing has integrated Shopify’s Shop Pay into its existing storefront, bypassing a full platform migration. Delivered by long-term partner Remarkable Commerce, the move allows the brand to adopt accelerated checkout technology while maintaining the specific architectural flexibility of its current non-Shopify e-commerce infrastructure.
Retail Tech Pulse: Fleek’s $25M Raise and Morrisons’ Digital Milestone
From the rapid expansion of AI-driven secondhand marketplaces to the deployment of smart shelf technology in British grocery stores, the retail sector is undergoing a massive digital overhaul. This week’s industry highlights reveal how established chains and agile startups are re-engineering the customer experience through automation and data.
JD Sports and Uber Eats partner for rapid England kit deliveries
As England prepares to face Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, JD Sports and Uber Eats have launched an on-demand delivery service for football shirts in London and Manchester, ensuring fans can secure their kits for the match without needing to leave their homes.
Choosing HRIS Software for Mid-Size and Large UK Firms in 2026
A logistics director once spent every month manually reconciling spreadsheets between payroll and HR systems, risking compliance errors with every re-entry. For companies managing 200 to 5,000 employees, this operational gap is no longer sustainable, necessitating a shift toward integrated platforms that treat payroll and HR as a single, unified dataset.
Why Marketing Dashboards Often Fail to Capture Real Revenue
A marketing director enters a boardroom with polished dashboards, but if those reports rely solely on digital click-streams, they are likely missing the most critical half of the story. When high-value conversions occur over the phone rather than through a web form, the data often paints a misleading picture of underperformance.
Charles Denton to Lead Bodycare Revival as Retailer Targets 200 Stores
After collapsing into administration last year, health and beauty retailer Bodycare is plotting a return to the UK high street. Charles Denton, the former head of The Body Shop and Molton Brown, has been appointed CEO and Executive Chairman to oversee a target of 200 store openings by 2031.
Global Disparity in AI Grocery Adoption Rooted in Consumer Trust
While 24% of young European shoppers have integrated AI into their grocery routines, deep-seated skepticism remains the primary barrier to mass adoption. New data from dunnhumby reveals that national trust levels dictate usage patterns, with the United Kingdom leading in activity despite harboring significant doubts about the technology.
A Volatile Week in Retail Tech: Lawsuits, Leadership Shifts, and AI
From a £1.2 million legal battle between Evri and the BBC to a flurry of high-level executive departures, the retail technology sector is undergoing a period of intense transformation. While brands like Morrisons and Aldi USA celebrate major infrastructure milestones, the industry continues to recalibrate its approach to AI and digital operations.
Asda partners with Evolve to overhaul Express store connectivity
Asda has tapped Evolve to revamp IT infrastructure across its 500 Express locations, prioritizing faster and more resilient internet connectivity. The multi-year agreement aims to stabilize essential payment and security systems, with more than 450 store upgrades scheduled for completion throughout the current year.
Storfund integrates liquidity tools into Castorama France marketplace
Castorama France has tapped fintech firm Storfund to integrate its Daily Advance solution directly into the retailer's online marketplace. This partnership grants merchants selling home improvement and DIY goods expedited access to funds, aiming to bolster cash flow and accelerate inventory reinvestment for vendors operating on the platform.
Retail Tech Weekly: Morrisons hits milestone as Evri sues BBC
Conflict defines the week in retail technology, as delivery giant Evri launches a £1.2 million lawsuit against the BBC over a Panorama investigation, even as the sector marks significant operational milestones from Morrisons’ digital shelf expansion to a major funding boost for AI-driven secondhand fashion marketplace Fleek.
Paris to Host NRF 2026 Europe: Defining the Next Wave of Retail
Paris will transform into the global epicenter of commerce this September as 12,000 professionals converge for NRF 2026: Retail’s Big Show Europe. From the 15th to the 17th, the event aims to decode shifting consumer expectations and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence across the international retail landscape.
Retail Tech Watch: M&S Adopts AI and Manna Drones Pivot to US
Marks & Spencer is overhauling its product data strategy through a new partnership with Lily AI, while Irish drone delivery specialist Manna is shifting its core operations to Tulsa, Oklahoma, following regulatory setbacks that forced a pause to its domestic services in Dublin.
New Look Unveils Largest Concept Store at Metrocentre
Spanning 11,000 square feet, New Look has launched its most expansive concept store to date within the Red Mall at the Metrocentre in the North East of England. The flagship location marks a significant milestone in the retailer's strategy to unify physical retail with digital convenience.
Currys Partners with Metapack to Overhaul Delivery Logistics
Currys has tapped e-commerce specialist Metapack to integrate advanced delivery management software across its UK and Ireland operations. The partnership aims to provide shoppers with expanded checkout options and granular, real-time visibility into order tracking as the retailer attempts to streamline its omnichannel fulfillment capabilities.
Michelle Grant departs Salesforce to lead SAP retail strategy
Michelle Grant, a prominent figure in the RTIH Top 100 Retail Technology Influencers list, has transitioned to SAP as the new Global Head of Consumer Industries Go-to-Market. She leaves her previous role as Director of Strategy and Insights for Retail and Consumer Goods at Salesforce to join the enterprise software giant.
Gymshark Founder Ben Francis Bids Farewell to Retiring CTO John Douglas
After five years at the helm of Gymshark’s technical operations, Chief Technology Officer John Douglas is stepping down into retirement. His departure coincides with the appointment of Shaun Perkinson, who assumes the role as the fitness apparel brand pivots toward its next phase of global digital expansion.
Crumbl Elevates Jacob Moncur to Chief Technology Officer
After four years overseeing the brand's digital infrastructure, Jacob Moncur has been promoted to Chief Technology Officer at Crumbl. The appointment marks a strategic shift for the dessert chain, which has prioritized mobile-first engagement and experimental platform integration since Moncur joined the engineering department in 2020.
Vineta Bajaj joins 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards judging panel
Holland & Barrett Group CFO Vineta Bajaj has been appointed to the judging panel for the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards, joining a roster of industry leaders from companies including Amazon, Walmart, and Boots to evaluate global advancements in retail technology.
M&S Recruits Currys’ Jessica Jones to Lead Technical Programmes
Marks and Spencer has hired Jessica Jones as its new Head of Technical Programme Management, poaching the veteran manager from electronics giant Currys. Jones, who previously held project management roles at Asda and the Co-op, steps into the position as the retailer doubles down on its digital infrastructure.