Avios, Virgin Atlantic and HMV partner with Bink loyalty app
Avios, Virgin Atlantic and HMV is partnering with an app which automatically links card payments to loyalty. A new loyalty app has launched, claiming to help retailers identify and understand...
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German hypermarket group Kaufland opts for electronic shelf labels
Kaufland Group, which operates more than 650 hypermarkets in Germany, is introducing electronic shelf labels (ESL) to its stores as the ESL market looks set for significant growth in the next four...
View ArticleTech security in focus after data breaches at Sage and Oracle
System security is in the spotlight after recent data breaches were detected in Oracle-owned Micros's legacy PoS and at accountancy software firm Sage. Independent adviser Neira Jones calls for tighter...
View ArticleStratacache buys Scala in 'giant step forward for digital signage'
Stratacache has announced it is to acquire Scala in a deal that looks set to complement both digital signage companies, and boost the global place-based media market in general.Stratacache, a digital...
View ArticleComment: Stores of the future – designed for next generation shopping experience
Rachel O'Rourke, head of brand at Start Group, takes a look at what retailers can learn from the trailblazers in digital store design.Brands are increasingly realising they need to break ties with the...
View ArticleSMEs lose £8.8bn by not accepting card payments
SMEs are losing nearly £9 billion by not accepting debit and credit card payments, according to a new report.Small businesses which refuse to accept card payments are missing out on £8.8 billion every...
View ArticleKFC uses digital screens for internal comms
KFC head office is using the restaurant chain's digital screen network to relay staff messages and instructional training videos.Fast food restaurant chain KFC's UK and Ireland operation is utilising...
View ArticleDixons Carphone continues merger integration with Accenture
Dixons Carphone is extending its contract with Accenture to support IT integration of the two brands post-merger. Dixons Carphone has announced it will continue working with Accenture to support the...
View ArticleComment: Retail's new normal - Experiences vs. Things
Retailers must transform themselves from self-service to experiential and from cost containment masters to good world community neighbours. RSR managing partner Paula Rosenblum has her say.It is...
View ArticleWestfield London's dining pulling power revealed
A study which tracked consumers' spending habits at Westfield London over the course of 12 months has found that dining while shopping is becoming a regular pastime.The case for shopping centres being...
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Big interview: Wayfair on supply chain, culture and virtual reality
Essential Retail sits down with Wayfair's general manager of Europe, Maxim Romain, to discuss the US pureplay's increasing focus on Europe. Wayfair is probably the largest online retailer you haven't...
View ArticleComment: Why won’t consumers switch on to the connected home?
Ben Perkins, head of consumer research at Deloitte, takes a look at the Internet of Things, and asks why consumers aren't rushing to buy themselves a smart fridge. There has been much media hype around...
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Retail country in focus: Poland
It is home to a controversial new retail tax, a dominant online auction site that is reportedly being courted by some of the world's largest retailers, and an emerging tech innovation scene. Essential...
View ArticleNorwich City FC improves matchday experience with digital signage
Norwich City Football Club is installing a giant high-resolution revolving screen at its Carrow Road stadium.Norwich City FC has partnered with ADI to install a new stadium screen at the club's home in...
View ArticleBlog: Starbucks mobile ordering tested
After nearly a year of hearing about how good the Starbucks mobile app and loyalty scheme is supposed to be, Essential Retail editor, Ben Sillitoe, finally puts it to the test as a customer.Starbucks...
View ArticleSainsbury's hires chief data officer
Sainsbury's is hiring a chief data officer to oversee data governance across the business. Sainsbury's has created the new role of chief data officer to install a data-driven retail environment. The...
View ArticleComment: Is your funnel a basket case?
Good Growth founder, James Hammersley, takes a look at conversion funnels online and suggests ways to reduces leakages. Conversion funnels are important and getting them right in eCommerce can make a...
View ArticleTopshop names smart fabric start-up winner of Top Pitch
Smart textiles start-up, The Crated, wins Topshop's wearable tech competition.Topshop has revealed The Crated as the winner of its wearable tech programme. This summer, three technology start-ups...
View ArticleNCR launches Innovation Lab in US tech hub Georgia
NCR is introducing an Innovation Lab to develop solutions for the digitally economy. NCR has announced the development of a dedicated research and development hub which will build APIs for...
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How T2 is brewing eCommerce success
Christmas 2015 led to an eCommerce disaster for T2 as the brand's popularity broke its creaking website. International retail director, Darren Williams, tells Essential Retail how T2 is preparing for a...
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