E-commerce technology
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Feature
28 Sep 2023
Retailers and customers alike open to AI, but calls for caution
Retail-related studies into AI’s influence suggest its capabilities are welcome by the sector and shoppers alike – but tech leaders advise treading cautiously Continue Reading
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Opinion
25 Sep 2023
Insights from launching a developer-led bank
A software developer's approach to building a bank in the digital age. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2019
Facebook takes extraordinary legal steps to contain document leak
Facebook targets journalists and news organisations for computer searches Continue Reading
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Blog Post
10 Apr 2019
Lush gives up on social media
Since the birth of social media platforms, brands have been carefully adapting their marketing strategies to reach the cool kids on whatever their chosen channel of choice. From MySpace, to ... Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Apr 2019
The dominance of big tech might not always be such a bad thing
Governments increasingly talk about regulating big tech to preserve competition, but an alternative view says that big tech only exists because there is already sufficient competition in the market Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2019
Marie Claire develops platform to encourage in-magazine shopping
An in-house team at Marie Claire has developed a platform to encourage readers to shop while browsing the site Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Apr 2019
E-commerce information systems, content management join forces
Content management to power e-commerce systems takes on greater importance in personalizing customer engagement by aligning processes, data and tools in unified platforms. Continue Reading
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News
01 Apr 2019
Fidor founder leaves as parent bank plots future
The founder of digital challenger bank Fidor leaves company as traditional banking parent company tries to sell business Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2019
Magento e-commerce sites urged to apply security update
Security experts are urging companies using the Magento e-commerce site to apply security updates without delay to avoid a disastrous hacking campaign Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Mar 2019
What are the options for regulating internet companies?
The UK – and other countries – are likely to introduce new regulations for internet and tech companies like Facebook and Google. We consider what sort of rules they might introduce Continue Reading
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News
28 Mar 2019
Swedish companies increasingly using private networks to communicate with ecosystem
Swedish IT leaders are increasingly turning to private networks to communicate with other businesses in their ecosystem Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2019
Nominet urges SMEs to register .uk domains to thwart squatters
The automatic right of .co.uk domain name holders to register the shorter .uk domains ends in June Continue Reading
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Podcast
19 Mar 2019
Podcast: The Computer Weekly Downtime Upload – Episode 8
In this week’s episode of The Computer Weekly Downtime Upload podcast, the team reminisces over 30 years of the World Wide Web, gets the low-down on what happened at this year’s Cloud Expo and digs a little deeper into the user IT implications of Brexit Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2019
Why the web needs patching
Regulators want to curb the web giants, while World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners-Lee believes problems with the web's misuse can be fixed Continue Reading
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Photo Story
11 Mar 2019
Web @ 30
It has been 30 years since Sir Tim Berners-Lee's initial proposal for the World Wide Web Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2019
UK among most expensive countries for mobile data
The UK ranks 136th in the world for the average cost of 1GB of mobile data, according to new statistics Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2019
Futuristic logistics: retailers focused on rapid delivery
From Asos Instant to Ocado Zoom, and a host of new services in between, rapid delivery is gaining traction in UK retail in an attempt to meet customer demand Continue Reading
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News
27 Feb 2019
M&S and Ocado announce £750m food delivery joint venture
Deal will see M&S take a 50% share of Ocado’s UK retail business, with access to the Ocado Smart Platform Continue Reading
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E-Zine
21 Feb 2019
CW Nordics: Sweden to test e-krona and plans cashless society
Sweden’s vision of a cashless society has gained traction after the Riksbank (central bank) rolled out plans to test a digital currency, the e-krona. Also read how the Nordic region’s longer-established companies are playing a forceful role to advance digital transformation, and how Finland’s IT sector has rebounded strongly after Microsoft’s takeover of Nokia’s mobile phones and smart devices business units in 2014. Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2019
Kellogg’s tests VR for developing merchandising strategy
Breakfast food brand Kellogg’s is working with Accenture and Qualcomm to test the use of virtual reality to develop a retail strategy for the launch of new products Continue Reading
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News
19 Feb 2019
Six experiential retail businesses chosen for Jlab
The businesses and startups that will take part in John Lewis’ 2019 Jlab programme have seen selected following a pitch day Continue Reading
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E-Zine
18 Feb 2019
When is it best to stick with paper?
In this week’s Computer Weekly, sometimes going digital is not necessarily the best thing to do – we weigh the pros and cons of paper versus technology. Our new buyer’s guide examines the challenges of asset management as you move IT infrastructure to the cloud. And we look at the growing role of software developers in the future of networking. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2019
Central Saint Martins hosts Three’s 5G trial for London Fashion Week
Three’s trial 5G network will enable the world’s first augmented reality fashion show at Central Saint Martins, while consumers can test out a prototype network at its flagship store Continue Reading
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News
14 Feb 2019
Apple Business Chat powers Npower’s smart meter switch
Energy supplier is using Apple Business Chat to help users through the process of switching onto new smart gas and electricity meters Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2019
Legacy systems holding banks back from meeting demand for instant accounts
Banks are struggling to meet customer demand to open accounts instantly because of legacy IT systems and processes Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2019
Click & collect will grow 45% over next five years
Clothing and footwear lead growth as UK’s click & collect market is set to hit £10bn by 2023, research suggests Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2019
Vodafone announces winners of Techstarter accelerator
Vodafone has announced the winners of its startup accelerator programme, aimed at helping young companies developing technology for social good Continue Reading
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News
08 Feb 2019
Lloyds Bank rolls out open banking functionality to mobile app customers
Lloyds Bank customers can now see current accounts from multiple banks through their mobile banking app Continue Reading
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News
06 Feb 2019
Tech sector tells government that digital identity policy is 'urgently required'
The UK tech sector has urged the government to publish policy to support the creation of a “fully functioning” digital identity market, to boost the digital economy Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2019
Marks & Spencer launches charging banks as part of startup partnership
Retailer Marks & Spencer has announced it will be adding battery charging banks to its stores as part of startup partnership Continue Reading
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News
01 Feb 2019
Fundamentals of retail won’t change despite tech disruption, say experts
Digital is becoming a big part of the way customers shop and how retailers deliver services, but the focus will always be on the customer, says panel of experts at BRC event Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Jan 2019
How to accelerate digital identity in the UK
Trusted online relationships are essential to the digital economy, but the UK is lagging behind. What needs to be done? Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2019
LA Metro pursues integrated CRM system with Salesforce
The Los Angeles Metro system integrates the Salesforce CRM with existing payment infrastructure, helping to bridge the gap between old and new technologies. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jan 2019
Adobe Magento Commerce Cloud adds progressive web apps
Adobe is upgrading its e-commerce product by adding AI-fueled image-search capabilities and progressive web application building tools to Magento Commerce Cloud. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2019
Mastercard fined over half a billion euros for unfair payment fees
Mastercard has been heavily fined for having rules on interchange fees which distorted the EU single market Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2019
Marks & Spencer introduces photo search for online shopping
British retail brand Marks and Spencer has introduced a photo searching capability to its mobile site to help people find products they like using other images Continue Reading
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News
21 Jan 2019
Bahrain plans to create a world-leading tech ecosystem
Bahrain is building a technology ecosystem that will help the country further reduce its economic reliance on the oil and gas industry Continue Reading
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News
14 Jan 2019
Mobile and broadband markets fail digitally excluded groups
Financially vulnerable people, disabled and mentally ill people and elderly people all face significant challenges in accessing appropriate communications services, according to a new Ofcom report Continue Reading
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News
10 Jan 2019
More than half of customers will shop for food online by 2021
Just over 40% of customers currently do their grocery shopping online, but with that number expected to rise to more than half by 2021, are retailers doing enough to meet customer expectations? Continue Reading
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E-Zine
10 Jan 2019
CW Middle East: Bahrain aims to be fintech hub
Bahrain’s government wants to make the country the go-to place in the Middle East for financial technology companies. It hopes to capitalise on its banking know-how to establish an ambitious fintech “ecosystem”. Also read about Dubai’s plans for the Smart Data platform and the UAE Pass, a digital ID and signature, and how Shell is using AI to amplify the human impact of its workforce. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2019
Banking apps overtake online banking
Mobile apps are the most popular channel for banking as consumers swap online platforms for smartphone software Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jan 2019
Interview: Andy Berks, digital product director, Asos
Asos’s digital product director Andy Berks talks about how the online retailer has used AI and machine learning technologies – and why the needs of the customer have to come first Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2019
Norwegian cryptocurrency miners lament proposed loss of energy use-related tax relief
A wide-ranging push by the Norwegian government’s tax collection agency to clamp down on cryptocurrency miners has incurred the wrath of a company planning to build the world’s biggest datacentre Continue Reading
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News
27 Dec 2018
Top 10 retail tech stories of 2018
Computer Weekly looks at what 2018 had in store for the retail industry – what technologies were retailers rushing to adopt and which brands fell behind? Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Dec 2018
Ready, headset, go: Retailers racing ahead with VR for staff training
Has virtual reality found its prime retail user case as a staff training tool? Recent moves from Costa Coffee and Walmart suggest it has Continue Reading
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News
20 Dec 2018
Cancer Research works to improve users’ digital experience
UK charity has been working with Optimizely to develop a better user experience through its website, as well as improve the way the organisation works Continue Reading
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11 Dec 2018
Manchester’s evolution from rag trade to e-commerce riches
As Amazon and Moonpig plan to open Manchester hubs, the focus once again turns to the city’s in-demand digital and e-commerce scene. Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2018
Quarter of all UK shopping now happens on mobile devices
UK’s high-street spend is the lowest across Europe as mobile devices account for a growing portion of online shopping Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Dec 2018
Fashion retail’s sustainability challenge and how technology can help
UK fashion retailers were grilled in Parliament last month on sustainability, so how might technology like blockchain or online recommendation tools help as they look to improve their green credentials? Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2018
Nike and Zara drive fashion retail’s self-service future
New store openings from Nike and Zara show it is not just in grocery stores where self-service technology is impacting retail. Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2018
ASOS launches digital assistant to help customers find right size
Online fashion retailer ASOS has launched an artificially intelligent assistant to help consumers find the right size of clothing before they place an order Continue Reading
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News
22 Nov 2018
IKEA to focus on digitisation and convenience shopping
Swedish furniture brand IKEA will be cutting jobs and focusing on smaller stores and its digital pipeline in a bid to usher in a new era of business transformation Continue Reading
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News
16 Nov 2018
Russian banks to introduce contactless ATMs
Russian banks have introduced their first contactless ATMs, which customers can link to via smartphones and wearable devices Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2018
PwC provides retail data insights for London’s West End
New West End Company hopes data on consumer behaviour will help retailers to increase spending in the area by one-third to £12bn over the next few years Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
Government considering dedicated internet regulator, says digital minister
An upcoming white paper is likely to set out proposals for an internet regulator, a House of Lords committee has been told Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2018
HMRC resolves technical issue with tax-free childcare portal
The department’s tax-free childcare website has again suffered technical issues, affecting 22,000 payments, but the problems were resolved last week, according to HMRC Continue Reading
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News
09 Nov 2018
Cloud e-commerce IT battle pits content management vs. CRM
ERP-based and stand-alone e-commerce systems dominate the market. As more companies go to the cloud, CRM and CMS vie to be the next foundation of e-commerce. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Nov 2018
Dynamic pricing online should not be regulated as anti-competitive
Competition authorities are examining online retailers' use of dynamic pricing to see if it's fair to consumers – but the principle of regulating such activity is economically wrong Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2018
M&S admits online remit “well behind” competitors
Food and clothing retailer Marks and Spencer has admitted its website and online fulfillment capabilities are behind that of its competitors, but it is seeing progress since implementing changes Continue Reading
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News
07 Nov 2018
Lloyds Banking Group shaking up its workforce to reflect digital times
Lloyds Banking Group is revamping the roles of thousands of staff as it becomes digital Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2018
Smart Dubai platform is the backbone of the city's transformation
Aisha bin Bishr, director general at Smart Dubai Office, talks about the Smart Data platform and soon-to-be-unveiled UAE Pass, a digital ID and signature which is being touted as one of the foundations a city needs to transform Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Nov 2018
UK winners and losers in digital tech
The UK's retail and telecoms companies are among the best in the world at digital technology, but a survey of digital leaders shows there is still room for improvement for many UK firms Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2018
How Birchbox uses social media for personalisation and discovery
The UK marketing director of subscription service Birchbox told the Retail Week Tech conference about the retailer’s use of social media and data to offer customers a personalised service Continue Reading
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News
02 Nov 2018
Jlab 2019 to focus on experiential shopping
Each year, John Lewis hosts a number of retail startups intent on using technology to transform the industry. Next year they will be aiming to change the customer experience in-store Continue Reading
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News
31 Oct 2018
Triumph Motorcycles kick-starts changes with high-tech HR
The Leicestershire-based motorcycle company is deploying IT systems to give customers and its own staff a ‘premium brand experience’ Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2018
Manchester’s evolution from rag trade to e-commerce riches
As Amazon and Moonpig plan to open Manchester hubs, the focus once again turns to the city’s in-demand digital and e-commerce scene Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2018
Retail tech spending will grow 3.6% globally in 2019, predicts Gartner
Global spending on technology in the retail sector is set to grow by 3.6% in 2019, according to predictions by Gartner analysts Continue Reading
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News
24 Oct 2018
SMEs use fintech in fight against online giants, but fears remain
Online SMEs are turning to financial technology to help them make payment processes easy for customers as they try to compete with online giants Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Oct 2018
CIO interview: Tamara Lohan, founder and CTO of Mr & Mrs Smith
Head of technology and co-founder of luxury travel firm Mr & Mrs Smith explains how the firm is revamping its technology to provide customers with a seamless experience Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Oct 2018
Addicted to clicks? Would you try online retail rehab?
In early October 2018, fintech firm iZettle ran a rehab centre for online shopping addicts to show the impact e-commerce has on the highstreet. But will this change customer habits? Spoiler alert, ... Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2018
Russians using less cash after accelerated use of electronic payments
Russians are increasingly using electronic payments rather than cash, a recent study by Sberbank has found Continue Reading
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News
18 Oct 2018
Amazon to open Manchester R&D centre and create 1,000 skilled jobs
Online retail giant will open a new office in Manchester and expand others to house 1,000 new skilled research and development employees in the UK Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
Moonpig to open technology hub and create 50 new roles
Greeting card company chooses Manchester for its first tech hub because of the city’s thriving tech scene and “exceptional” pool of talent Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2018
ASOS launches voice shopping on Google Assistant
Online fashion brand introduces voice shopping service to help customers navigate its thousands of products more easily Continue Reading
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E-Zine
11 Oct 2018
CW Middle East: Middle East warms to humanoid robots
Countries in the Middle East are warming to humanoid robotics, robotic process automation and artificial intelligence as these technologies become widely accepted globally. Also in this issue, read why Saudi Arabia has called on London’s fintechs to set up in the country with the promise of government support, and find out how the Gulf Warehousing Company has introduced cloud-based technology to replace paper processes used by its HR department. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Oct 2018
Why are so few electric vehicles used for online shopping deliveries?
UK retailers appear to be in the electric vehicle slow lane when it comes to online shopping deliveries, but changes are imminent Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Oct 2018
While Brexit rages on, the UK needs to be looking at the global picture
Talks at the World Trade Organisation in October will shape the future of digital trade, and it is crucial the voice of UK tech is heard Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2018
UK will unilaterally tax web giants, says Hammond
Chancellor threatens to go it alone on tax reform for digital services businesses if an international agreement cannot be reached Continue Reading
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News
01 Oct 2018
Mobile will be more disruptive for retail than online, says Facebook representative
Facebook’s retail industry head says mobile technology is likely to cause a bigger shift in retail than online shopping did Continue Reading
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News
28 Sep 2018
Finland’s e-retail sector driven by international growth
Finland has a fast-growing e-retail industry as a positive consequence of the huge job cuts at Nokia Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2018
Explosion in fake data-stealing shopping sites
Cyber attackers are ramping up efforts to steal personal data by setting up look-alike domains that pose a phishing risk to online shoppers, researchers warn Continue Reading
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News
27 Sep 2018
Best supply chain firms are masters of data and automation
Europe’s best supply chains are making the most out of e-commerce, customer insights and robotic process automation, according to Gartner Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Sep 2018
Mobile-first strategy rings true for jeweller
Mobile has played a key role in how London jeweller Taylor & Hart has changed the rules for buying a ring Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2018
Credit card giants step up AI fraud detection
While Capital One and Mastercard delve into AI and machine learning to detect credit card fraud, IBM joins the ranks of AI vendors with AI bias detection tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2018
Doorstep challenge: How retailers are innovating on delivery and fulfilment
Every retailer selling online in 2018 needs great shipping options for customers who have got used to an expanding list of choices. How are some retailers developing the proposition, and where does technology fit into the equation? Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Sep 2018
How is Google taking on Microsoft Office in retail?
Carrefour represents a big-name contract win for Google’s G Suite, but will Microsoft Office still be dominant across retail? Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2018
Asda outsources app development to support digital future
Supermarket chain Asda is outsourcing its application development to HCL to access and build skills and experience in agile development methods Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2018
Waitrose to launch same-day delivery trial
High-end supermarket Waitrose is partnering with retail delivery startup On the Dot to trial same-day delivery for its food and wine goods Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2018
Santander plans UK tech hub in Milton Keynes
Santander is opening a UK tech hub in Milton Keynes that will have 5,000 staff Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2018
BMW innovation lab bears fruit with insurtech deal
BMW has struck a deal with one of the tech startups that participated in its innovation incubator Continue Reading
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News
17 Sep 2018
Middle East hungry for digitisation, says GE’s Bill Ruh
The Middle East is among the most enthusiastic regions in terms of applying digital business models to traditional industries Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Sep 2018
Capitalism too short-termist? The tech sector suggests otherwise
Many observers criticise businesses and stock markets for being too short-termist – but if that was the case, how did Amazon, Uber and their ilk ever come into existence? Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2018
John Lewis blames profit drops on high IT costs
Department store John Lewis has pinned the blame on high IT costs and the rising price of store real-estate for a drop in profit Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2018
The use cases, challenges and benefits behind retail AI
Retailers have been collecting customer data for years, and with AI technology now available to help them use it effectively, they’re jumping at the chance – but what challenges lie ahead? Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2018
Why AI should assist humans, not replace them
At the 2018 Disruption Summit in London, BT’s lead of customer insight and futures said artificially intelligent systems should be there to assist humans, not get rid of them Continue Reading
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News
07 Sep 2018
Argos launches voice shopping capability on Google Home Assistant
Retailer Argos has developed a voice shopping service so customers can reserve items for pickup using the Google Home Assistant app Continue Reading
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News
06 Sep 2018
How Rituals is using Salesforce Commerce cloud to replicate physical experience online
Cosmetics firm Rituals is using Salesforce Commerce Cloud to translate its website into 25 languages, helping the brand reach customers its physical stores can’t Continue Reading
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News
05 Sep 2018
The fintech startups to watch in the UK
Tech Nation’s choice of fintech companies to back reflects the changes expected to hit financial services IT Continue Reading
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News
05 Sep 2018
How Ocado has disrupted its own model
At the Disruption Summit in London, Ocado’s head of technology explained how the firm built a technology-based model for efficient grocery delivery and how it has been disrupting that ever since Continue Reading
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News
03 Sep 2018
CIO interview: Ian Cohen, global CIO, Addison Lee
Addison Lee’s global CIO is building a business strategy and ensuring the transport company has a flexible platform for growth Continue Reading
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News
29 Aug 2018
Heineken and Oracle create chatbot helper for polo events
Beer brand Heineken has enlisted the help of Oracle to create a chatbot to assist people attending the annual Heineken Urban Polo events ahead of expansion in 2019 Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2018
Debenhams rolls out Doddle click-and-collect service in all its stores
Debenhams and parcel collection and return firm Doddle are working together to roll out Doddle’s click-and-collect services to all of the retailer’s stores Continue Reading