JD Sports Fashion has unveiled a new technology innovation centre at its head office, marking a significant step in enhancing its retail operations. The completion of the centre was announced on December 19 by Matthew Amer, Head of IT Testing Services at the company, who highlighted the installation of a footwear display wall as a key feature. This wall not only serves as a visual centerpiece but is also integrated with various functionalities, including picking, pricing, and product lookup, seamlessly linking with store stockrooms through Zebra HHT and FOS screen capabilities. It will also facilitate Click & Collect orders.
Amer emphasized the centre’s role in enabling comprehensive user journey testing and innovation demonstrations, allowing teams to explore physical product interactions and system integrations. The setup includes printed barcodes and allocated stock across test environment stores, making it possible to showcase omnichannel retail experiences, from order placement to product fulfilment. The initiative is expected to drive significant advancements in JD Sports’ operational capabilities.
In a separate development, Dave Blankenship, Chief Information Officer at Subway, has announced his departure after five and a half years with the company. Blankenship joined Subway in 2018 from Marriott International, initially serving as Chief Technology Officer before being promoted to CIO in 2024. His tenure has been marked by substantial advancements in Subway’s technology framework, focusing on enhancing profitability and operational efficiency for franchisees.
Blankenship expressed his gratitude in a LinkedIn post, reflecting on his journey and the collaborative spirit he experienced with his colleagues and franchisees. He noted the progress made in elevating guest experiences and strengthening business operations during his time. Although he did not disclose his future plans, his departure marks a significant transition for Subway as it continues to evolve its technology landscape.
Meanwhile, Bloomingdale’s has appointed Kristen Miller as Head of Product and Technology Strategy, a newly created role aimed at driving innovation across the luxury retail space. Miller’s previous experience includes leadership positions at Neiman Marcus Group and as Co-founder/CEO of Stylyze. In her announcement, she emphasized the importance of creating a fully omnichannel experience that aligns with Bloomingdale’s mission to inspire customers through innovative retail experiences.
Miller underscored the transformative potential of technology in luxury retail, expressing excitement about contributing to a team focused on redefining the industry. She highlighted the company’s commitment to a Customer First approach, which aims to deploy new technologies to enhance customer interactions and drive growth.
In a further technological advancement, Currys has partnered with Stripe to install thousands of payment terminals across its UK and Ireland stores, part of a broader initiative to modernize its retail operations. This partnership is a continuation of Currys’ transformation program, which has already seen the introduction of colleague headsets and electronic shelf edge labeling in its stores. The collaboration with Stripe also includes a unique partnership with Pennies, a UK micro-donation charity, enabling donation prompts at checkout for the first time globally.
Andy Gamble, Chief Information & Transformation Officer at Currys, articulated the vision behind this initiative, stating that the goal is to create a “store of the future” today. He noted that Stripe’s infrastructure not only facilitates faster checkouts but also offers the flexibility to integrate new innovations as they arise. The integration of AI to assist customers in selecting the right technology is another aspect of this forward-looking strategy, enhancing the overall shopping experience while enabling customers to contribute to causes they care about.
As these developments unfold across key players in the retail technology landscape, the emphasis on innovation and customer experience continues to shape the future of the industry. With new technologies and strategic appointments, companies like JD Sports, Subway, Bloomingdale’s, and Currys are positioning themselves to meet the evolving demands of consumers in an increasingly digital marketplace.
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