last week’s biggest technology plays at a glance — Retail Technology Innovation Hub

Amazon Australia

Amazon Australia has announced plans to invest more than AU$750 million building a new robotics fulfillment centre capable of processing over 125 million packages per year.

Targeted for completion in 2028, the site in Brisbane, Queensland will cover 150,000 square metres across four levels, with a floor size equivalent to 120 Olympic swimming pools.

It will have the capacity to house up to 15 million of the smaller items sold on Amazon.com.au such as pantry staples, beauty products, electronics and toys. When operating at full capacity, the site will have the ability to process over 125 million packages per year.

“People are at the heart of our operations, and by combining innovative robotics technology with skilled local talent in this state-of-the-art site, we’re building a workplace where people and technology work hand in hand to deliver for our customers,” says Wayne Angus, Amazon Australia’s Director of Operations. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to Queensland customers and our confidence in the state’s growing economy.”

Lidl GB

Lidl GB reports that it has made the move to Google Workspace.

In a LInkedIn post, Sandra Heydorn, Head of Service and Support at Lidl UK, said: “I am not one to post anything anywhere really, but today is special. I am incredibly proud to announce that Lidl GB has successfully completed our migration from Microsoft to Google Workspace.”

She added: “As the Project Manager for this transition, seeing a year of hard work culminate in such a smooth “Go-Live” is an absolute highlight. This wasn’t just a technical switch; it was a massive cultural shift toward a more collaborative and agile future for our teams.”

CDS Superstores

CDS Superstores (The Range, wilko, Homebase and Bathstore), a home, leisure and garden retailer, has selected RELEX Solutions to deliver forecasting and replenishment across its store and distribution network.

CDS operates more than 285 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland, managing approximately 65,000 SKUs across 16 departments including homeware, furniture, DIY, cleaning and garden supplies.

It says that RELEX’s AI driven platform will provide enhanced visibility across stores and distribution centres, enabling more accurate demand forecasting and replenishment planning.

The system forecasts demand at store level, incorporating localised patterns and trends, and aligns this with distribution centre and supplier planning to ensure stock is positioned efficiently across the network. The move supports CDS’s evolving regional distribution model, with the aim of providing greater agility and control as the business expands its store footprint and distribution capacity.

“As we continue to grow, investing in technology that strengthens our supply chain is essential,” says Alex Simpkin, CEO, CDS Superstores. “RELEX gives us enhanced visibility and smarter forecasting across our network, helping us ensure the right products are available for our customers at the right time. This is an important step in building the operational resilience and scalability required to support our long-term growth ambitions.”

InPost UK

InPost UK has partnered with JD Sports Fashion and Nike for the return of the Nike Air Max 95 OG ‘Neon’.

In a LinkedIn post, the parcel lockers specialist said: “Big moment for trainer culture and lockers. Using our lockers, we helped turn the drop into a real-world experience – giving fans the chance to unlock special lockers in key JD Sports stores and reveal prizes, including pairs of the legendary Neons.”

Social content featuring Louis Theroux, Angry Ginge and TheBovBoys helped bring the campaign to life, as they received their own mystery locker drops and shared their reactions with fans.

InPost UK added: “The activation showed how everyday infrastructure can become part of culture, bridging online storytelling with real-world experiences and giving fans a new way to connect with one of trainer history’s most iconic silhouettes. A huge thank you to the teams at JD and Nike for an incredible collaboration.”

Limited Space

OOH media specialist Limited Space has completed the North East phase of its nationwide digital transformation programme, unveiling new high resolution, large format LED screens at Metrocentre and Eldon Square.

This is part of the company’s 2026 investment strategy, following recent upgrades at flagship destinations Manchester Arndale, Bluewater and Bullring.

Metrocentre, Gateshead – the largest shopping centre in the North East and one of the UK’s largest overall – spans approximately two million square feet and hosts more than 300 stores. Eldon Square, located in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, offers around 1.4 million square feet of retail space and over 150 brands. Collectively, the two destinations attract more than 40 million visits annually.

TikTok Shop

TikTok Shop has launched a Fine Art category, marking the first time original art has been sold directly through the platform.

To launch this, it has hosted its first ever LIVE fine art sale featuring artist, Sophie Tea. During the interactive session, Tea debuted a 20-piece collection of original oil paintings priced at £2,800 each, while completing one painting live on the platform.

Marco Spaducci, Head of Home & Living at TikTok Shop UK, says: “TikTok Shop is built on discovery commerce – where community, creativity and purchase come together seamlessly.”

“The launch of our Fine Art category expands the platform into high value, collectable goods, demonstrating how discovery commerce can support premium products and build trust with both creators and audiences. We’re proud to host our first ever LIVE fine art sale with Sophie Tea, whose direct-to-community approach reflects the evolving creator economy and how artists can engage audeinces in new ways.” 

NorgesGruppen

StrongPoint has announced an agreement with Norwegian grocery retailer NorgesGruppen involving its proprietary cash management solution CashGuard. The value of the deal is approximately NOK 120 million. Roll-out starts in 2026 and is expected to end in 2028.

NorgesGruppen is Norway’s largest grocery retailer by market share and runs approximately 2,000 stores across multiple brands throughout the country.

The agreement covers product replacements in some of its stores where the existing CashGuard units have reached the end of their life, while many other locations continue to use the same solutions that are still within their life cycle.

“This agreement highlights that grocery retail is a highly resilient industry that continues to invest in technology,” says Jacob Tveraabak, CEO at StrongPoint.

”It also demonstrates that even in markets such as Norway, where cash usage is among the lowest in Europe, grocery retailers still see clear operational benefits from cash automation as part of their store operations. We are particularly proud to continue supporting NorgesGruppen, one of our most long standing customers.”