Last week’s biggest retail technology plays at a glance — Retail Technology Innovation Hub
RTIH rounds up the stand out retail systems deals, deployments and pilots from the past seven days. Featuring Amazon, Carrefour UAE, Walmart, H&M, Morrisons, Uber Eats, and Cartken.
H&M
H&M has debuted an Innovation Metaverse Design Story collection in select stores and online.
According to a press release, the physical collection is “inspired by the immersive potential of the metaverse, as well as the tactile beauty of the physical world. Self-expression and an exploration of sustainability is showcased in three formats, with sustainable materials, rental services in select countries, and a digital collection.”
“The increasingly virtual dimension of fashion creates exciting future opportunities for H&M, allowing us to create vibrant, bold and daring virtual counterparts to our physical collections.”
“In addition to the endless creative possibilities, it also allows us to propose a more sustainable and inclusive fashion vision that can be accessed by anyone, anywhere in the world,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, Creative Advisor at H&M.”
FedEx Express
FedEx Express has expanded the testing of electric carts to five New York City locations as it aims to improve deliveries in major metropolitan areas.
The BrightDrop Trace e-carts are helping FedEx couriers make deliveries in the Diamond District, Theatre District, Midtown, Midtown East, and Brooklyn Heights, expanding upon an initial test site in the Diamond District during 2021.
The routes in the pilot cover more than seven walking miles.
Amazon
Amazon has started to deliver orders by drones in California and Texas.
This is currently operating in Lockeford, California and College Station, Texas.
Once onboarded, customers will see Prime Air eligible items on Amazon. They will purchase items as per normal and receive an estimated arrival time with a status tracker for their order.
“Our aim is to safely introduce our drones to the skies. We are starting in these communities and will gradually expand deliveries to more customers over time,” says Amazon Air spokesperson Natalie Banke.
American Girl
Mattel brand American Girl has unveiled its 2023 Girl of the Year, Kavi Sharma, and as part of the launch has partnered with Obsess to create a free virtual museum experience.
This allows fans to tour Kavi’s room and learn more about her Indian culture and love of performing, play games and learn more about each American Girl character.
Majid Al Futtaim and Carrefour UAE