Unlocking Retail Innovation: Last Week’s Top Tech Moves from Vinted, Westwing, Harrods, and Next

Deichmann SE

Deichmann SE is upgrading its source-to-pay (S2P) processes using Ivalua’s platform.

Deichmann SE, based in Essen, Germany, has been around for over a century. It is the biggest shoe retailer in Europe, boasting 49,000 employees and around 4,700 stores across 34 countries. In 2023, it reported revenues of 8.7 billion euros.

By adopting Ivalua’s platform, Deichmann aims to streamline operations, boost automation, improve transparency, and foster better collaboration with teams and suppliers.

Pflanzen-Kölle Gartencenter

Pflanzen-Kölle Gartencenter has introduced retail7’s cloud-based checkout system.

Their first store in Heilbronn, Germany, is now operational. Jessica Stock from Pflanzen-Kölle shares that their employees have positively received the retail7 solution, making the pilot launch a success.

Valspar

Valspar has unveiled a couples color matching tool for paint selection.

Customers can upload a photo and pick colors to match. They can then look for similar Valspar shades online or visit a B&Q store, where staff will scan the sample and create a custom color recipe.

Once matched, customers can choose the paint type needed. In-store staff will mix the formula into a paint tin ready for home use. Customers also have the option to save their custom colors for future purchases.

Lucy Steele, Senior Brand Manager at Valspar, explains that this tool helps couples find a color palette that suits both their tastes, easing decision-making during home projects.

EG America

Quorso is partnering with EG America to enhance its retail operations.

Quorso’s Intelligent Management solution will be installed across over 1,500 EG America stores. This system combines various task management and analytics tools into one platform to improve store performance.

Elizabeth Pierce, COO of EG America, affirms that this technology allows a more personalized approach to managing store operations by simplifying data processing.

METRO Markets

METRO Markets is undergoing a digital transformation with the help of Storyblok.

Launched in 2019, METRO’s platform serves the hotel and catering sectors with non-food products. As their customer base grew, they realized their outdated content management system was too limiting.

They chose Storyblok to enhance content flexibility and support further growth, making it easier to manage and innovate.

Australia Post

Australia Post is testing a new digital media network in 60 locations across Victoria.

In collaboration with reo, their goal is to connect with customers at key moments, whether they’re sending parcels or using other services.

This media solution will allow advertisers to deliver targeted messages, with reo providing the necessary tools and support.

Harrods

Luxury retailer Harrods has enlisted Incubeta to enhance its global digital marketing efforts.

The focus will be on increasing customer engagement across key markets like the UK, US, and more. This includes strategies in PPC, SEO, and paid media.

Incubeta will leverage its AI-powered Seamless Search platform to optimize Harrods’ digital investments and partnerships, ensuring effective and impactful campaigns.

Pricewatch Group

NearSt has launched a solution for UK convenience stores, linking their EPoS systems to delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Co-founder Nick Brackenbury highlights that this technology empowers local retailers by providing resources that were previously unavailable. This integration aims to enhance sales and efficiency in local markets.

Pricewatch Group was the first to utilize this technology, beginning their rollout in September 2024.