Binning barcodes and embracing AI: last week’s biggest retail technology plays at a glance — Retail Technology Innovation Hub
JoJo Maman Bébé JoJo Maman Bébé, an omnichannel maternity wear and baby clothing retailer, has signed on to deploy Retail247’s Origin product information management solution.In a LinkedIn post, Retail247 said: “A premium maternity, baby and childrenswear brand, JoJo Maman Bébé is known for its high quality, trusted and sustainable products - values that strongly align with what we stand for at R247. We can’t wait to get started on this project and implement Origin for Product Creation, Price Change Management, Channel Syndication and Digital Product Passports.”atisatis is set to launch its first customer app this May. Built in-house over the past 18 months, this is powered by atis’ proprietary technology, giving the brand full control over Click and Collect ordering, loyalty and the end-to-end customer journey. Around 50% of all orders are currently placed digitally, a figure expected to increase further following the launch. By integrating Click and Collect, loyalty and rewards within a single ecosystem, atis says that it is enhancing personalisation and building a more direct relationship with its customers.The app integrates with the new loyalty programme, atis Insiders, enabling customers to skip the queue, earn and redeem rewards, save favourite build your own orders and access exclusive perks, including future secret menu items.The company will roll-out a city wide activation across London, which will see 100 QR codes hidden for customers to discover via the app, with free meals available to those who find them first. Those that download the app during launch month will receive £5 off their first order.Dollar GeneralDollar General has announced the roll-out of an AI enabled in-store audio network across approximately 6,000 DG stores in 48 US states. Through a new partnership with QSIC, Dollar General says it will deliver more relevant, localised and measurable audio experiences to customers while providing brand partners with accountable, data driven advertising across its retail footprint. This deployment will double DG’s existing in-store audio presence and increase measurement capabilities, bringing the total number of DG stores with in-store audio capabilities to 12,000 in Q2 2026.“We’re constantly looking for innovative ways to help brands meaningfully connect with our customers, and by introducing an AI powered in-store audio network, we’re unlocking an entirely new layer of relevancy and accountability in the shopping experience,” says Austin Leonard, Vice President and General Manager at DG Media Network. “This platform allows us to deliver localised, real-time messaging at scale across the thousands of communities we serve, especially in underserved and often overlooked rural areas. It’s a powerful way to create value for our brand partners while enhancing the in-store experience for the millions of customers who rely on Dollar General every day through more relevant, contextual messaging designed to add value, not noise, to their shopping trip.”The RangeThe Range says it has strengthened the technology powering its online marketplace through a new partnership with Mirakl.The move upgrades the retailer’s previous in-house marketplace infrastructure with Mirakl’s platform, providing AI powered capabilities to manage sellers, streamline operations and support the growth of The Range’s digital offer. The partnership also includes Mirakl Ads, giving marketplace sellers a way to advertise their products in front of The Range's shoppers.The Range has operated an online marketplace for several years, providing customers with access to almost one million products across home, leisure and lifestyle categories. This model enables third-party sellers to offer products alongside its core retail assortment. Third-party marketplace partners now account for 45% of online sales.The Range’s e-commerce platform attracted more than 200 million visits during 2025, while product views across the site grew 56% compared to the previous year.MindfactoryKlarna has announced a new partnership with Mindfactory, Germany’s biggest gaming retailer. The tie up brings its payment options to Mindfactory's online checkout.Customers can now choose to pay in full, pay later, or split their purchases into interest free installments."Mindfactory has built one of the most recognised brands in gaming retail. Together, we're making sure their customers get a smooth, hassle free checkout experience, backed by our built-in tools that help customers stay in control of their finances," says Nico Schenck, Head of Germany at Klarna.“We live and breathe technology. Our goal is to offer the gaming community not just the best hardware, but also the best possible shopping experience. With Klarna, we've found the ideal partner to make the checkout process as intuitive, secure and flexible as possible for our community, combining first class hardware with cutting-edge payment solutions," says Marcel Kirchner, CEO at Mindfactory.Manchester UnitedLevy, a sports and entertainment caterer in the UK and Ireland, has announced a multi-year partnership with Manchester United to introduce frictionless kiosks and self-service bars at the Premier League club's stadium, with the aim of improving wait times and enhancing choice with local street food. "By combining our hospitality expertise with cutting-edge technology, we are introducing frictionless grab and go kiosks and self-service bars to reduce wait times," says Thomas Guether, Chief Growth Officer at Compass Group, owner of Levy. "Supporters can also expect a more diverse menu featuring local Manchester street food vendors, all supported by new digital signage for a modernised service. We are proud to support the club’s commitment to its fans, ensuring that every visit to the Theatre of Dreams is faster, easier, and full of local flavour."Omar Berrada, CEO, Manchester United, says: “Improving matchdays at Old Trafford is an essential part of our strategy for Manchester United. Old Trafford holds a unique place in world football and, whilst we have plans for a new stadium in the long-term, we have a responsibility to ensure we’re continuing to invest in our facilities and services in the short-term. The changes we are introducing will bring greater choice and better service for supporters across the stadium.” ZippinZippin reports that March was one of its busiest ever months with autonomous stores launching at the Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park (new home of Inter Miami CF), Kauffman Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals), Melbourne Cricket Ground (their fifth Zippin location), and several other venues including college campuses, workplaces and hospitals. In a LinkedIn post, Krishna Motukuri, Co-founder at Zippin, said: “A big thank you to all our customers - current and new - for your trust and support."LyrecoWorkplace products and services specialist, Lyreco, has announced completion of a modernisation programme at its logistics centre in Villaines-la-Juhel (Mayenne, northwestern France).The site is one of the group’s most strategic logistics hubs and is responsible for 60% of the 50,000 parcels shipped daily by Lyreco in France. As part of the modernisation project, which began in 2021, Lyreco has built a new 3,000 m² facility and integrated a robotic solution developed by Exotec. The system optimises large scale pallet preparation and order dispatch. It includes: An automated system for sequencing outbound flows; Algorithms for sorting and pallet building; More than 100 Skypod robots managing the buffering and organisation of parcels prior to dispatch; Ergonomic palletisation stations for operator friendly pallet preparation.Huws GrayHuws Gray, the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, has selected Slimstock to underpin a supply chain transformation project. It says that, by centralising planning across its UK branch network, it will improve availability, strengthen customer service and create a more balanced inventory position.As a one stop shop for trade professionals, self-builders and DIY customers, Huws Gray supplies thousands of product lines across building materials, timber, tools, roofing, electrics and plumbing. Following organic growth and recent acquisitions, the business combines national scale with local branch expertise to keep building projects on track.
