29 Sep “Localz” wins John Lewis’ technology incubator competition JLab

Britain’s retail sector is one of the largest in the world, but the rise of online shopping and connected commerce are challenging retailers traditional business models.

To ensure its competitiveness, John Lewis launched a technology incubator ‘JLab’, in a partnership with technology entrepreneur Stuart Marks. The aim of JLab was to identify and develop technology innovations that will shape the shopping experience of the future, and give John Lewis a competitive advantage when it comes to meeting customers’ needs.

Five start-up companies has worked with John Lewis and Stuart Marks between June and September this year, where they were supported to develop their products and solutions across three main areas: in-store innovations and products, innovations around the “Internet of Things” and in-store personalization for customers.

Following a 12-week incubation period, the JLab panel has selected a winning company which has also received up to £100,000 of further investment and the chance to trial their solution in-store. A micro-company named Localz was crowned the winner of JLab; the company developed a micro-location in-store engagement system. The start-up company’s uses a number of advance options on a customers smartphone and Beacon technology to help make shopping an overall easier experience for its users.

The first customer-facing solution that Localz will roll out is a service that helps click and collect customers in-store. When they enter the store, the John Lewis app will help them find the click and collect collection point. It can also alert staff and tell them the customer has arrived, so the product is ready for them when they get to the desk.

However not every start-up can be selected to join an incubator like the JLab but B.D.C is able to provide the right advice to innovative start-up. In fact,Colisweb decided to work with our experts in connected commerce to accelerate the company’s growth. B.D.C has a tailored made approach in terms of Business Development Coaching and can support your company in every steps of your development.

Here is a presentation of the winning company.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the last insights on connected retail !