- eBay has launched a pre-loved wedding hub featuring second-hand bridal and bridesmaid dresses, accessories, and vintage suits from notable designers such as Vera Wang, Suzanne Neville, and Pronovias Mildred. The platform aims to provide sustainable and cost-effective options for shoppers to get their dream wedding outfit for a fraction of the price while increasing the lifespan of these unique dresses, which are often only worn once.
- The RTIH Innovation Awards are now open for entries, featuring a Bricks and Mortar category sponsored by CADS. The awards celebrate global tech innovation in an omnichannel world and highlight retailers enabling physical spaces to thrive via innovative technology while blurring the lines between channels.
- The deadline for 2023 submissions is Friday, 27th October, with winners being revealed at an exclusive event in central London on Wednesday, 29th November. Entries are free, and participants can submit in multiple categories. For entry-related inquiries, email: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com.
London, UK – Retail Technology Innovation Hub (RTIH) has released its weekly list of top news stories in the retail technology industry. Here are the highlights:
1. Amazon launches smart shopping cart: The e-commerce giant has unveiled a smart shopping cart, called Amazon Dash Cart, which automatically detects and charges customers for items they place inside. The cart also allows for contactless payments and has a built-in display for personalized offers and promotions.
2. Shopify partners with TikTok: The popular social media platform has teamed up with Shopify to allow merchants to create and run TikTok marketing campaigns directly from the Shopify dashboard. This will enable retailers to reach a new audience and increase their brand’s exposure on the platform.
3. Walmart expands drone delivery programme: The US retailer is expanding its drone delivery service to include general merchandise as well as groceries. The programme will launch in Arkansas with plans to expand to other locations in the near future.
4. Walmart introduces touch-free payment: The retailer has rolled out a new payment system called Walmart Pay, which allows customers to pay using their mobile devices without having to touch a keypad or sign a receipt. This move is part of Walmart’s effort to make the shopping experience safer and more convenient during the pandemic.
5. Apple launches virtual shopping experience: Apple has introduced a new online shopping experience that allows customers to explore its products in a 360-degree space. Customers can view products in augmented reality and get advice from Apple experts through video chat.
These top news stories show that retailers are continuing to innovate and adopt new technologies to improve the shopping experience for customers. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see what other innovations will emerge in the coming weeks and months.