H&M has launched a tool that lists all suppliers and factories attached to an individual product, giving consumers an unprecedented level of access and transparency to its supply chain. Available on all 47 local H&M websites, a ‘product sustainability’ button on individual product pages displays details on materials, as well as the...
One of the futures of retail is turning traditional shops into experiential environments. Now Washington, DC-based Take Care goes one trend further, combining a beauty shop with a wellness-oriented co-working space. In the shop, customers can browse and purchase organic, plant-based cosmetics, receive skincare consults and take classes in...
A company has finally become the first to start regular drone deliveries. Wing, which is an off-shoot of Google’s parent company Alphabet, has received approval from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to start deliveries and is making the service available in three suburbs of North Canberra. Users of the service can place orders...
Walmart is gearing up to deploy thousands of robots in its stores across the US. The retailer already features some robotic equipment in select stores, but this will mark a huge expansion of the program, adding autonomous floor cleaners, shelf scanners, rapid uploaders, and pickup towers. Walmart provided specific numbers for its planned...
Artificial intelligence might be better at reading the body language of a shoplifter than human employees can, as suggested by a surveillance technology adopted in Japan. Tokyo-based startup VAAK has developed an AI software called ‘Vaak Eye’, which claims to spot shoplifters before they’ve taken something from a store. It’s straight out of the...
MAC Cosmetics China has entered the ‘new retail‘ space with the launch of its experience center integrating both online and offline brand experiences. The center blends product discovery, social engagement and purchase into an immersive journey, making it one of the more sophisticated interactive retail experiences in the cosmetics category in...
Pizza Hut is collaborating with FedEx for a new autonomous delivery device aimed to automate local delivery. The FedEx delivery robot is in development by FedEx and the DEKA Research and Development Corp., and is equipped with technology that allows it to navigate unpaved surfaces, curbs, and even steps to deliver a door-to-door delivery...
a partnership between US grocery retailer Albertson and medical tech company Genomind saw Genomind’s DNA testing kits made available to purchase at select Albertson stores. The test – called the Genecept Assay – helps determine how an individual will respond to different psychiatric medications by studying genes responsible for neurotransmitter...
If even more evidence were needed that healthful, meatless eating is trending, look no further than Carl’s Jr. which is introducing a Beyond Famous Star Burger featuring Beyond Meat’s new Beyond Burger 2.0 patty. The Beyond Famous Star Burger features a quarter-pound Beyond Burger patty cooked on an open flame and comes topped with American...
A new service has launched in Milton Keynes in the UK that allows people to order deliveries by robot. Residents can get parcels sent to a depot and receive a notification once they arrive. They can then get the items delivered to their door by robot, at a time of their choosing. A monthly £7.99 ($10) app subscription covers an unlimited number...