Starring AutoStore, Emperia, and InPost UK: the biggest retail technology news stories of the week — Retail Technology Innovation Hub

It’s Friday, the weekend is almost upon us, so let’s kick back and reflect on another eventful week for the retail systems space. Here’s your briefing on the most important stories from the past five days, including Ikea Switzerland, PUMA, REWE Group, Lekkerland, Amazon, Asda, Walmart, Papa Johns UK, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, and M&S.

1. Ikea Switzerland launches JobBot on WhatsApp tool with aim of making it easier for people to apply

Ikea Switzerland, in partnership with the Ikea Retail (Ingka Group) global digital development team, has launched JobBot, a recruitment tool designed to enhance the candidate experience and streamline recruiter processes.

JobBot automates administrative tasks, allowing applicants to apply through WhatsApp without leaving the app.

The way it works is that the chatbot is pre-written, and it guides candidates through the process, and filters positions based on the information the candidate has given to the bot when creating their profile (and by providing consent). This ensures candidate information is kept secure and manageable.

Ananda Buchmüller, Project and Employer Branding & Talent Sourcing Leader, and her team in Ikea Switzerland, aimed to create a tool that would allow recruiters to focus more on understanding the individuals behind the applications, assessing their role fit, and exploring their broader career aspirations. 

“We believe that people make the difference. We recruit based on values, focusing on the person rather than just the CV,” says Buchmüller. “JobBot bridges the gap between people and technology, enhancing communication and providing access to a valuable, interactive talent pool.” 

2. Paul Hornby departs online retailer The Very Group and Digital Customer Experience Director position

Paul Hornby has left The Very Group after spending just under four years in the role of Digital Customer Experience Director.

He joined the multi-brand online retailer and financial services provider in January 2021, reporting to Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Andy Burton.

Hornby, who previously held roles including Head of E-commerce and Head of Transformation at The Very Group, rejoined from Matalan, where he was E-commerce Director for three years.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “Over almost four years, we have achieved a huge amount together; most notably leading one of the biggest composable migrations in Europe, with the creation of our Skyscape platform.”

“I promised myself when I came back that I’d spend three great years here and then embark upon a new challenge, so now that I’ve broken that promise by a year, we have achieved our goal of migrating Very.co.uk’s upper-funnel pre-peak, have signed a deal with Apply Digital which will see them complete the programme by the end of this FY, and successfully navigated pre-build with Apply Digital, it feels right to step aside and let the right people focus on the final leg of delivery.”

3. Amazon customers can now tap parcel pickup and label free, box free returns at 700 plus Asda stores

Amazon customers can now use a parcel pickup and label free, box free returns service at more than 700 Asda stores.  

Eligible Amazon orders can be picked up in most Asda stores across the UK, with more locations to be added throughout the coming months.  

“Meeting the ever evolving needs of our customers is a top priority for us at Asda,” says Chris Hall, Vice President, Logistics at Asda.

“This collaboration with Amazon just in time for Christmas marks another landmark moment, not just for our larger stores, but our ever expanding Asda Express convenience estate. By bringing essential services like Amazon parcel pickup and return drop-offs closer to where our customers live and work, we’re able to provide greater convenience to more of the communities we serve across the UK.”