Retail Technology News: April update
Retailers in April 2025 focused technology efforts in areas including, virtual reality-aided design, enterprise cloud, and robotic fulfillment.
Here are some of the most noteworthy and innovative technology stories as reported by Chain Store Age in April, starting with the most recent.
Lowe’s launches Apple Vision Pro kitchen design app Lowe’s now offering a spatial computing Apple Vision Pro app called Lowe’s Style Studio to customers in five Bay Area stores. Controlled by a user's eyes and hands and offered via the App Store, Lowe's Style Studio allows customers to enter an immersive 3D kitchen scene.
From there, customers can explore preset styles curated by Lowe’s professional designers and customize hundreds of real-world materials, fixtures, and appliances.
Poshmark integrates resale option into ReturnQueen pickup app Online resale site Poshmark is partnering with ReturnQueen to enable users of the on-demand return pickup service who miss a retailer's return deadline to utilize a new "Sell on Poshmark" option directly in the ReturnQueen app.
With a few taps, ReturnQueen users can create a Poshmark account if they don't already have one, add a few details, and list their item for sale.
- Mattress Firm integrates AI into inventory management Mattress Firm is enhancing its supply chain operations with AI-based inventory optimization technology. The nation’s largest mattress specialty retailer is implementing artificial intelligence-driven inventory solutions for demand forecasting, store and distribution center replenishment, and merchandise financial planning from Invent.ai.
Donatos Pizza automating phone voice ordering Donatos Pizza is implementing a new ordering system from Revmo AI that will automate its phone orders. The AI-based voice ordering technology will enhance the customer experience and increase order conversions, ultimately driving revenue across its locations nationwide.
One key feature of the solution is its proprietary "Insano Mode" voice engine, which delivers a human-like conversational experience. The platform also handles complex tasks, including secure credit card processing over the phone and automatic coupon recognition and application.
Applebee’s revamps store operations with new POS system Dine Brands Global Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s, is implementing Toast technology at Applebee’s locations nationwide. In addition to Toast POS terminals, the agreement will see Applebee’s restaurants deploy Toast Go handhelds, Toast Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), and the Toast Restaurant Management Suite Enterprise.
Applebee’s seeks to strengthen operational flexibility, provide greater ease of use and responsiveness, improve labor efficiency, and enhance the overall in-store customer experience.
- eBay streamlines mobile listings with 'magical' AI technology eBay is integrating artificial intelligence-enabled seller listing functionality with a guided mobile experience. The e-tailer is taking its "magical" seller listing solution that uses AI to analyze, research and extrapolate details about listings from seller-provided data and combining it with a mobile-friendly listing flow in an effort to improve the ease, speed, and quality of listing creation for sellers.
- Walmart keeps up with trends using generative AI Walmart Inc. is introducing a new proprietary artificial intelligence solution created to help designers and merchants stay on trend. Known as Trend-to-Product, the tool uses AI and generative AI to analyze and synthesize global data and trends, pulling information from the Internet and influencers to help its fashion team create affordable on-trend products in six to eight weeks from first identifying a trend.
- WHSmith cloud-enables enterprise in North America WHSmith North America has rolled out multiple SaaS-based solutions to optimize inventory performance and data-driven decision-making. As part of this technology initiative, the North American operation of global travel retailer WHSmith upgraded to the latest versions of Aptos merchandising, warehouse management and sales audit solutions, transitioning from on-premises to a cloud-based SaaS model.
- Best Buy launches creator platform with shoppable storefronts Best Buy Co. is rolling out the Best Buy Creator program, a new platform that enables influencers and creators of all sizes to partner directly with it. As part of the program, the retailer is introducing Best Buy storefronts, a curated e-commerce experience that lets customers shop directly from participating influencers and creators.
Gap Inc. automates inbound logistics with robots Gap Inc. is increasing the efficiency of its inbound logistics operations at select distribution centers with robotic automation. Gap is utilizing Boston Dynamics "Stretch" robots to automate the inbound processing of boxes into distribution centers in Tennessee, Ohio, New York and California.
The Stretch robots are designed to supplement employees and reduce injuries while increasing the volume of inventory that can be received into a distribution center.
