Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: last week’s biggest technology plays at a glance — Retail Technology Innovation Hub in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
DoorDash and Hibbett
DoorDash and Hibbett have announced a partnership to bring on-demand access of footwear, apparel, and accessories to consumers across the United States.
“Bringing Hibbett to our marketplace expands convenient, on demand access to the apparel and footwear consumers rely on, especially in communities where Hibbett has a strong local presence,” says Fuad Hannon, VP of New Verticals at DoorDash.
“This partnership reflects our continued focus on building meaningful retail relationships that give consumers greater choice and speed, whether they are gearing up for a game, refreshing everyday essentials, or shopping for last minute accessories and beyond.”
“DoorDash is a natural partner for us with our shared focus on making everyday shopping easier and faster for our customers,” says Bill Quinn, CIO, Hibbett. “By connecting with its delivery network, we’re simplifying the path from checkout to doorstep, so shoppers can get their footwear and apparel shopping done quickly and seamlessly. This new partnership is yet another way for us to provide efficiency and continue to improve our customer experience.”
StrongPoint
StrongPoint has announced a contract awarded by an (unnamed) global e-commerce retailer to design and install its first AutoStore automated fulfilment centre in the UK. The value of this is approximately MNOK 100, estimated to be delivered over the next 12 months.
“This AutoStore and automation solution emphasise our commitment to provide all retailers with world class automated solutions using market leading technology. Our focus is now to deliver the best possible solution for the customer, leveraging our extensive experience in the retail e-commerce and automation sectors,” says Jacob Tveraabak, StrongPoint CEO.
Iceland and The Food Warehouse
Iceland Retail Media, a retail media network operated through Iceland and The Food Warehouse, is partnering with STRATACACHE to provide in-store digital signage, CMS and analytic sensor technology across 766 locations.
The tie up makes Iceland and The Food Warehouse the first European retailer to employ STRATACACHE’s Walkbase solution for precise audience attribution. The deployment of the camera free sensor solution means that the Iceland Retail Media Network will be able to accurately confirm real-time in-store advertisements impressions without a biometric indicator and fully aligned to consumer privacy best practices.
“In retail media, it’s not enough to simply run ads in-store, you have to prove impressions and conversions. The ability to measure and validate shopper impressions is what transforms retail media from guesswork into a unique, performance-driven channel that delivers real value for brands and retailers,” says Chris Riegel, Founder and CEO at STRATACACHE.
“Our technology means that not only will the Iceland Retail Media team be able to accurately report performance to their brand partners but that they will also be able to gain crucial in-store insights to help serve their advertisers and customers better.”
ExtraMile Convenience Stores
Swiftly is working with ExtraMile Convenience Stores to integrate its Alcohol Cashback programme into the ExtraMile, Chevron and Texaco mobile apps and the combined rewards offering. This covers beer, wine, and spirits for shoppers that are rewards members across more than 1,100 ExtraMile locations in the United States.
Swiftly’s Alcohol Cashback solution replaces traditional mail in rebates with an alternative that allows customers to browse active offers, activate deals through their Rewards account at checkout, and receive cash back via PayPal, Venmo, or a digital prepaid Visa.
The programme is entirely supplier funded, requiring no contribution by merchants, while Swiftly manages all state level compliance, validation, and reimbursement.
Cineplex
Rokt, an e-commerce technology company using machine learning and AI to make transactions more relevant to customers, has added Cineplex to its portfolio of brands.
Cineplex has integrated Rokt’s AI powered technology into its e-commerce checkout experience, enabling the company to deliver relevant, non-endemic offers and messages to guests in real-time.
“We’re always looking for innovative ways to elevate the guest experience both in our theatres and across our digital platforms,” says Kristie Painting, Executive Vice President, Cineplex Media. “By partnering with Rokt, we can deliver more relevant messages to our moviegoers while unlocking new revenue opportunities. We’re excited about how this collaboration will enhance the customer journey and drive meaningful engagement.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Cineplex as they bring Rokt’s AI powered relevance into their transaction flow for the first time,” says Craig Galvin, Chief Revenue Officer at Rokt. “Cineplex is an iconic entertainment leader, and this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation and performance. By activating relevance within the transaction moment, we’re helping Cineplex unlock sustainable, incremental value across their digital ecosystem.”
Goddiva
Goddiva has announced the upcoming launch of an AI virtual try-on experience.
Designed initially for the online retailer’s VIP customers, this allows users to upload their own image and visualise themselves wearing Goddiva styles across both collection pages and individual product pages. This is not a simple overlay or face-based visual, the company says. The system analyses body structure, proportions, and size data to simulate how a garment will fit, drape, and sit on the customer’s unique body shape.
“This is about confidence and clarity,” says Yathu Kanagaratnam, Head of Technology & AI Strategy at Goddiva. “When customers can see themselves in a dress – not a model, not an avatar, but them – they can make better decisions. That means fewer returns, less frustration, and a far better overall experience.”
The initiative also plays a role in Goddiva’s sustainability strategy. It says that, by improving fit accuracy and purchase confidence, the virtual try-on experience is expected to significantly reduce return rates.
The platform is built entirely in-house, using Google Gemini alongside proprietary AI systems developed by Goddiva’s technology team. The feature is fully GDPR compliant, opt-in only, and customer images are processed solely to deliver the virtual try-on experience.