3. Fashion giant H&M Group acquires minority ownership stake in Swedish retail technology platform Voyado
Omnichannel customer engagement specialist Voyado reports that H&M Group has acquired a minority ownership stake in the company.
Erik Lagerblad, Head of H&M Group Ventures, says: “We are really impressed by Voyado’s journey so far. After rolling out their solution globally, we’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes in creating value at scale.”
“That’s why it makes perfect sense for the H&M Group to deepen our partnership through an investment, which will further support Voyado’s future growth and strengthen their offering for other enterprise customers.”
The company lays claims to significant market share across the Nordics and Benelux, and it is now focused on expanding into key markets such as the UK, and Germany.
Erica Sandelin Ekelund, CEO at Voyado, says: “Our ambition is to establish Voyado as Northern Europe’s most beloved retail tech companion while maintaining profitability and scalability. H&M Group’s investment brings valuable insights and resources that align with our efforts to scale faster and expand into new segments, creating value for our existing and future customers.”
4. Legion Technologies bags $50 million from Silicon Valley Bank for AI powered workforce management
Legion Technologies, a specialist in workforce management, has received $50 million in financing from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a division of First Citizens Bank. The raise, which brings Legion’s total funding to $195 million, follows a $50 million growth round led by Riverwood Capital earlier this year.
“From the beginning, we have been on a mission to improve hourly jobs and the capital we’ve received from investors this year demonstrates the enduring value of that mission,” says Sanish Mondkar, Founder and CEO at Legion Technologies.
“Our tremendous growth stems from the accelerating need for effective workforce management solutions, and this latest financing from SVB further proves that our intelligently automated, employee centric platform is the best choice for today’s hourly employees.”
“There is increased demand for AI native workforce management solutions that can improve both labour operations and the employee experience,” says Marisa Phan, Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank.
“Legion has successfully been working to transform the hourly work experience to meet the needs of the modern employee. With this latest financing, we are proud to support Legion as it enables intelligent automation to shape a new future of work.”
5. Primark Click and Collect service now available at more than half of budget retailer’s British stores
“It’s been great to see such a positive reception to the new service from our colleagues and customers, and to be part of bringing the best of Primark to more people. Watch this space after the Christmas break for more launches,” says Grace Fisher, Click & Collect Lead.
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, says: “We’re already seeing strong uptake for Click & Collect as we continue to roll-out the service nationwide, and we expect this demand to grow as we head into the busy festive shopping season. We hope our customers up and down the country find their shopping experiences just that little bit easier this year thanks to the added convenience our service brings.”
“Now that Click & Collect is available at more than half of our British stores, we’re pleased to be offering shoppers more opportunities than ever to enjoy our great value, affordable fashion.”
6. Canadian grocery and pharmacy retailer Sobeys expands Pricer Plaza installation with JRTech Solutions agreement
After a first wave of 50 stores, Sobeys is entering into an agreement with Pricer’s partner, JRTech Solutions, for an expected deployment of five million electronic shelf labels across Canada at an expected order value of 485 MSEK.
The initial order from Sobeys for deployment of ESLs in 50 of its stores, that was reported in June as an order from a Tier 1 North American grocery retailer, was the first large scale full-store deployment of four colour labels in North America.
Sobeys is one of the largest grocery chains in North America with over 1,500 grocery and pharmacy stores.
The roll-out of Pricer’s in-store automation and communication solution, consisting of the cloud-based platform Pricer Plaza and electronic shelf labels, is expected to be completed by 30th April 2026.
7. Fast. Fresh. Food. Lekkerland SE and Reckon.ai team on REWE To Go autonomous store in German train station
REWE To Go and Lekkerland SE have launched an autonomous store at Koblenz Central train station, Germany.
This is powered by AI smart cabinets in partnership with Reckon.ai.
The 65 sqm store is open 24/7. People can scan their card to enter and then a cashless means of payment at the payment terminal on a smart fridge, and take their items.
Weight sensors and computer vision cameras record which products have been removed. The amount due is automatically debited from the chosen payment method. In addition, there is the option of selecting products at smart vending machines with touch displays and then receiving them via an output compartment.
This is used in particular for tobacco and alcoholic products. Age verification by scanning an identity card or driver’s licence ensures compliance with youth protection regulations.