6. Amazon set to test out drone deliveries in the UK as part of initiative led by the Civil Aviation Authority
Amazon has been given the green light to test fly drones beyond a human controller’s line of sight in the UK.
It is one of six organisations taking part in a trial led by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
This will gather key safety data, such as how drones detect and avoid other aircraft, the electronic signals they can send to be able to be visible to other airspace users and air traffic control.
The aim is to support the regulator’s ongoing development of policy and regulations so that drone flights can be fully integrated with other airspace users.
Sophie O’Sullivan, Director of Future of Flight at the CAA, says: “These innovative trials mark a significant step forward in integrating drones safely into UK airspace.”
“By supporting projects ranging from consumer deliveries to critical infrastructure inspections, we are gathering essential data to shape future policies and regulations.”
“Our goal is to make drone operations beyond visual line of sight a safe and everyday reality, contributing to the modernisation of UK airspace and the incorporation of new technology into our skies.”
7. Hugo Boss partners with One iota on launch of smart fitting room at flagship store in Düsseldorf, Germany
Hugo Boss has gone live with a smart fitting room in its new flagship Boss store in Düsseldorf, Germany, which has around 1,000 square metres of sales space, spread over two floors.
It worked with One iota on the project, integrating the solution into eight of 17 fitting rooms in the store for the first time.
This is a screen that reads items taken in via RFID, displays the items (and other items that may go with it) and allows customers to select different size/colour variants if required.
This triggers a request to an iPad app for a store member to pick the item and take it to the nominated dressing room number.
“Today more than ever, our stores are points of experience where we can offer a unique experience and individualised services to our customers,” says Oliver Timm, Chief Sales Officer and Deputy CEO at Hugo Boss.
“The aim is to inspire customers for our brands in the long term and create new opportunities to connect beyond the collections available in our stores.”
“The new Boss store in Düsseldorf demonstrates this approach, together with our flagship stores in London, Dubai, and Tokyo.”
“With our new design and hospitality concept, which reflects our premium positioning, and new digital services that are industry leading, we are taking the customer experience to the next level.”
8. Pret A Manger tests out body worn cameras for staff as UK shop workers face rising abuse in the workplace
Sandwich and coffee chain Pret A Manger is trialling body worn cameras in a select number of stores in London.
A spokesperson said: “These are only being worn by team leaders or managers, and are only turned on in specific circumstances.”
Signs have been put up in those store conducting the trial to make customers aware. Only Pret’s security team will have access to any footage captured.
Pret A Manger follows Tesco and The Co-op in testing out body worn cameras as UK shop workers face increasing levels of violence and abuse.
British Retail Consortium research reveals that the number of incidents rose to 1,300 per day in 2022/23 from almost 870 per day the year before.
This rise came despite retailers investing heavily in crime prevention, spending £1.2 billion on measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and body worn cameras, up from £722 million the previous year.
The cost of theft to retailers went up to £1.8 billion from £953 million the previous year, meaning the total cost of crime to retailers stood at £3.3 billion – double the previous year.