Digital Retail Innovations 2021 Report Launch

Retail Insider is proud to have launched its Digital Innovations Report 2021 (sponsored by Webloyalty) with an event involving a group discussion on innovation led by Steve Robinson, founder of Omnicommerce.

Guests from high street retailers, online operators as well as members of the report’s Advisory Panel heard Steve kick-off a conversation about how retailers are embracing innovation and increasingly bringing in technology to advance their operations.

All attendees also enjoyed a tutored beer tasting, which was held at The Parcel Yard in King’s Cross station, with Matej Krizek, the head brewer of Bohem Brewery, in North London, running through a selection of craft beers.

All guests received copies of the report, which again highlighted how innovation has been embraced during the times of Covid-19 as digital transformations are undertaken by retailers.

The report lists the Top 60 digitally-driven retail innovations of the past year as judged by an international advisory panel. This year’s list was topped by IKEA with it augmented reality Place solution that just pipped Amazon with its Just Walk Out technology.

Trends in this year’s report included sustainability – with solutions from Too Good To Go, OLIO, Loop, Trove, HURR Collective and Evocco all represented. They highlight how the reduction of waste and the reuse of packaging and clothing have risen to the top of the agendas of retailers.

Robots and automation also featured prominently, with solutions from Costa Coffee, Karakuri, Fabric, Piestro Pizza, Chowbotics, Tossed and Kroger indicating that such technology has progressed and that operators are more willing to embrace these types of solutions.  

Retail Insider would like to thank Webloyalty for its sponsorship of the report and for making the launch event possible. Huge thanks also to Steve and the other attendees who contributed to the conversation.

Download the report: Digital Innovations Report 2021

Glynn Davis, editor, Retail Insider