Retail Technology in June: A Month of Innovation

As we dive into the world of retail technology, June proved to be an exciting month with various innovations and partnerships that are changing the game. From resale and sorting to drone delivery, retailers are focusing on technology to enhance customer experience and stay ahead in the competition.

Resale Revolution

This month, Elton John partnered with eBay in a charity resale event called “Rocket Man Resale” to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The event featured hundreds of items from John’s closet, including affordable items such as historic concert T-shirts and baseball caps. This initiative not only supports a great cause but also highlights the growing trend of resale in the retail industry. Learn more about eBay’s charity initiatives.

Charity resale event

Amazon Prime Day is Coming

Amazon’s 11th annual Prime Day event is just around the corner, taking place from July 16 to 17. Members of the Prime paid membership service will have exclusive access to millions of deals across more than 35 categories, including electronics, kitchen, beauty, and apparel. Get ready for Prime Day.

Office Depot Launches Business Services Program

Office Depot LLC. has partnered with Dun & Bradstreet to offer a new business-to-business program called Power.Up, which offers business owners credit, marketing, data, creative, and advertising services. This move is expected to enhance the retail experience for business owners and provide them with the necessary tools to succeed. Learn more about Power.Up.

Office Depot’s new business services program

JCPenney Automates Sorting

As part of its self-funded $1 billion reinvestment strategy, JCPenney is unveiling a new upgrade to its 1.67 million-sq.-ft. Reno distribution center. The retailer has invested $40 million in the facility to increase order efficiency and speed for online purchases. Read more about JCPenney’s distribution center.

JCPenney’s upgraded distribution center

Albertsons Adds New Channel to Retail Media Network

Albertsons Cos. is providing advertising partners more touchpoints to reach its customers. The grocer is debuting Collective TV, a solution that enables participating advertisers to target, measure, and optimize campaigns across streaming, digital video, and soon, linear TV. Learn more about Collective TV.

Albertsons’ new retail media network

Starbucks Opens Entertainment Studio

Teaming up with multimedia production and talent management organization Sugar23, Starbucks is introducing Starbucks Studios, which will help filmmakers create and produce original film, video, and multimedia content. Read more about Starbucks Studios.

Starbucks’ new entertainment studio

Apple Takes Personal Approach with New AI Platform

Apple unveiled a proprietary AI system, called Apple Intelligence, that is focused on the needs of individual users. Described as a “personal intelligence” system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac device platforms, Apple said the new platform combines generative AI with “personal context” to deliver “useful and relevant” capabilities. Learn more about Apple Intelligence.

Apple’s new AI platform

Walmart Integrates Drone Delivery in App

Walmart unveiled several new technology initiatives across its operations, including enhancing its drone delivery and InHome kitchen and garage delivery service, piloting an AI shopping assistant, and the expanded rollout of digital shelf labels. Read more about Walmart’s drone delivery.

Walmart’s drone delivery service

Ikea Makes History by Offering Real-Life Jobs in Roblox Store

Ikea has launched “The Co-Worker Game,” a new virtual experience on the popular Roblox immersive gaming platform. This includes activities such as serving virtual meatballs in a metaverse version of the Ikea Swedish Food Market and Bistro, as well as arranging avatars of Ikea products in virtual showrooms. Play The Co-Worker Game.

Ikea’s virtual experience on Roblox