19 Oct Back-to-school news, analysis and data on online & offline retail
Homebase launches new dual-purpose concept store
The concept store openings are coming back again! Homebase has launched a new two-level experimental showroom dedicated to kitchens and bathrooms.
The new concept store, located in a redesigned Bathstore site in Guildford, will allow customers to make free appointments for bathroom and kitchen design with the help of a designer. There will also be specialist 3D design software to give customers an accurate picture of what their future bathroom or kitchen will look like.
This represents the second trial Homebase has undertaken of a smaller high-street store format, following the launching two DECORATE by Homebase stores in May 2020.
Sweaty Betty and Nespresso customers can now collect online orders from John Lewis
The John Lewis Partnership has signed a new “Click & Collect” agreement with sportswear brand Sweaty Betty, allowing customers to choose from 297 Waitrose shops across the UK to collect their online purchases.
The retailer signed a similar agreement with coffee giant Nespresso, allowing customers to choose from 48 John Lewis and Waitrose shops to collect their orders.
John Lewis has already significantly developed its own “click & collect” service, enabling customers to collect their orders online from nearly 900 stores, including Waitrose, John Lewis, Co-op and Booth.
The retailer has also unveiled its £1 billion digital restructuring strategy to be rolled out over the next 5 years, focusing on online commerce.
MUJI introduces mobile self-checkout with MishiPay
Japanese lifestyle and beauty retailer MUJI will introduce the MishiPay mobile payment solution in all UK stores.
The “Scan, Pay, Go” system allows customers to scan items using their smartphone, before paying with various digital payment methods, providing a digital receipt and letting them walk out the door.
As well as paying without waiting at the checkout, customers will be able to use this technology to check exact prices, view additional information on items and access information on promotions in real-time.
Shoppers are not required to download the application to use the technology, as MishiPay is available on MUJI’s mobile website.
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