4. Tesco

InPost has announced a new partnership with Tesco, which will see its automated parcel machines (APMs) deployed across the grocery giant’s entire large format store estate in the UK, potentially up to 500 sites, by the end of November.  

Shoppers will be able to collect their online orders or send parcels, and also drop off returns in seconds thanks to InPost’s paperless Instant Returns service.

5. Asda

Asda is set to implement several SaaS-based capabilities within Blue Yonder’s Luminate Planning, Luminate Commerce and Luminate Logistics solutions, as well as Luminate Control Tower.

With the UK grocery giant needing to transition from its legacy solutions as a result of moving to a UK-based ownership, it was looking for end-to-end retail solutions that would cover commercial, supply chain, logistics, and retail operations. 

This includes artificial intelligence powered forecasting, end-to-end supply chain visibility, omnichannel fulfilment, and workforce management capabilities.  

6. Amazon

Amazon has opened the doors to the first Amazon 4-star store outside of the US. 

Situated in Bluewater, this offers a range of products that are rated four stars and above, are top sellers, or are trending on Amazon’s UK site, including consumer electronics, toys, games, books, kitchen, and home.

Customers can purchase online and collect orders at the store as soon as the next day. It also offers parcel free, label free returns for items purchased both in store and online.

Digital price tags are located alongside each product with the item price, average star rating, and the number of customer reviews.

Amazon account holders will pay the price as they would on the UK site. Prime members will receive exclusive perks and deals throughout the store. 

7. Nespresso

Nespresso has debuted its new experiential boutique concept in the UK at the Bluewater, Kent shopping centre. 

The aim is to meet shoppers’ changing needs by offering immersive, localised and personalised experiences.

The store opened its doors to the public last week. It includes an interactive ‘Taste & Discover’ area, where customers can explore and create their own coffee recipes using iPad tutorials and Nespresso machines.

An augmented reality experience, meanwhile, gives people the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stories, heritage and expertise behind Nespresso coffees and understand how capsules are recycled.