Technology

2022 Look Back: Most read retail CX news of the year

Here’s a look at the most-read news headlines of 2022 at RetailCustomerExperience as 2023 arrives in short order.

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December 20, 2022

The year 2022 was a year of rebound, rebirth and technology as retailers, coming out of COVID-19, were centered on pulling shoppers back into stores while tackling a challenging supply chain scenario. Some retailers were still struggling to get inventory, others had too much and needed to alter marketing and merchandising plans.

But, from a majority of research data and industry reports, retail is clearly back on solid ground after spending two hectic years shoring up online and omnichannel strategies.

All these topics, issues and challenges filled the headlines in the past 12 months as did efforts targeting delivery innovation and enhanced retail services.

Here's a look at the top news headlines of 2022 as 2023 arrives in short order:

Amazon launches Buy with Prime to offer shopping benefits beyond platform

Amazon launched Buy with Prime that extends the convenience of Prime shopping to online retailers not on the Amazon retail platform. Buy with Prime will allow millions of U.S.-based Prime members to shop directly from merchants' online stores and access free delivery and free returns on eligible orders.

Yes, it's true, Toys R Us is coming back

While a good majority of consumers under 40 likely don't remember perusing the aisles of the famous Toys R Us stores, older shoppers who relied on the toy retailer are likely happy to hear it's coming back thanks to a partnership with Macy's. The toy seller plans to have a store presence in every U.S. Macy's store within the next couple of months.

Sodexo launching autonomous grocery stores, ramen vending, food delivery

Sodexo S.A., a Paris, France-based food services and facilities management company, introduced eat>NOW autonomous grocery stores, ramen vending and virtual dining concepts delivered by robots to U.S. campuses. Sodexo clients will also be able to offer students ramen vending machines, with 80-plus ramen and udon noodle bowl combinations.

Chewy launches a platform for pet expression

Chewy Inc. launched "Chatty Pets," a campaign that puts a spotlight on pet personalities and allows pets to express innermost thoughts. The endeavor, a collaboration with creative agency 72andSunny, focuses on the excitement a pet may have when a Chewy delivery arrives.

Need to know your foot size? There's an iPhone app for that

The Xesto Fit is a 3D foot sizing iPhone app that can recommend shoe sizes across 150 brands. Users scan their foot size within 1.5mm accuracy using the iPhone FaceID camera.

Costco expanding footprint big time this year

In the first month of 2022 Costco announced big expansion plans including opening 28 stores and spending $4 billion on logistics strategy and infrastructure. The tech investment reflects a 10% increase on logistics compared to 2021.