5. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie notches up a Roblox first as immersive platform tests out commerce
This includes an integrated virtual Fandango box office, where eligible users can purchase movie tickets – a first for the Roblox platform as it tests and invests in commerce.
[Beetlejuice] Escape the Afterlife was developed by Sawhorse and provides Warner Bros. the opportunity to expand its reach with new audiences and ways to increase content viewership, as well as drive ticket sales.
“We are always looking to engage audiences and amplify our reach in new and exciting ways; this first of its kind collaboration with Roblox and Fandango for Beetlejuice Beetlejuice allows for just that,” says Cameron Curtis, Executive VP of Marketing, Warner Bros.
“By leveraging the vast Roblox creator community, we are not only able to connect with existing Beetlejuice fans, but also have the opportunity to reach new audiences who are being introduced to him for the first time. And we are thrilled to be the first studio to test ticketing on the platform.”
“We are excited to collaborate with Warner Bros. and Roblox on this unique in-world experience and test the first ever virtual Fandango box office for the much anticipated Beetlejuice Beetlejuice movie,” says Will McIntosh, Fandango President.
“We are champions of the big screen and remain committed to reaching new fans through innovative, one of a kind experiences that drive increased theatre attendance.”
6. Sainsbury’s expands long-term partnership with NCR Voyix as UK grocery giant upgrades checkout technology
Sainsbury’s has announced a seven-year agreement that expands the UK grocer’s more than 20-year strategic partnership with NCR Voyix.
Sainsbury’s is upgrading its checkout technology by rolling out the NCR Voyix Commerce Platform, Point of Sale solutions (PoS) and self-checkout systems to 22,500 checkouts across its supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations.
Leveraging NCR Voyix cloud technology, it says it will be able to help speed up the customer journey by receiving real-time data and analytics while harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for sales analysis, estimating future store performance, colleague productivity and cash management.
The new platform will enable colleagues to approve transactions remotely via tablet, speeding up the checkout process and enhancing the shopping experience. Additionally, the self-checkout systems, powered by AI technologies, will deliver personalised promotions tailored to each customer.
Clodagh Moriarty, Chief Retail and Technology Director, says: “Our commitment to unbeatable quality food and great service, whether in store or online, is strengthened by NCR Voyix technology.”
“NCR Voyix has grown alongside Sainsbury’s for two decades, unlocking new capabilities and optimising product management, sales forecasting and store efficiencies. This is driving us to the next level and delivers for customers, colleagues and shareholders.”
7. Instacart announces first ever global launch of AI powered smart trolley Caper Carts with Aldi
Instacart and Aldi South Group are to expand their partnership globally.
This includes the roll-out of Instacart’s Connected Stores technologies across the retailer’s stores in the US, including In-Store mode and Carrot Tags, as well as fulfilment technology to power e-commerce orders.
And in a European first, Aldi South Group is testing Caper Carts in Austria, Instacart’s AI powered smart carts designed to ease the checkout process and personalise the shopping experience for customers.
Since 2017, Aldi has partnered with Instacart to provide same-day delivery for its customers in the US and will now deploy several Connected Stores technologies to further digitise its stores including:
In-Store mode: This helps customers see what’s in-stock, get important details about items on their list, sort items by aisle, and access in-store promotions and discounts through the Instacart app.
Carrot Tags: These have pick-to-light capabilities, meaning that Instacart shoppers can select an item on their phone and the corresponding shelf label will flash. Carrot Tags have launched in more than 100 Aldi stores in Illinois and Ohio and will roll-out nationwide in the coming months.
Pickup fulfilment technology: By leveraging the technology behind the Instacart Shopper app, Aldi South Group is streamlining fulfilment to power its e-commerce pickup orders.
Caper Carts: Customers can find the carts near the store entrance, start shopping by adding items directly into the cart, and keep an eye on their running total via the digital screen. Checkout is available through a “fast lane” if the customer is paying by card.