Lunch with the Team: Celebrating a New Contract and the Rise of Retail Technology

By Riad Beladi

It was more than just an ordinary lunch — it was a celebration. The team gathered around the table, cheerful and proud, marking the signing of a new contract that promises to strengthen our position in the ever-evolving retail landscape. Conversations flowed easily, and between the clinking of glasses and laughter, one topic dominated the discussion: retail technology.

In recent years, retail technology has grown into one of the most dynamic and competitive sectors in the global market. From artificial intelligence-driven analytics to automated logistics and digital payments, technology has transformed how retailers operate and how consumers shop. The pandemic may have accelerated this shift, but innovation has since taken on a life of its own.

Retailers today are not only embracing technology — they are hungry for it. They want to understand how data can predict shopper behaviour, how smart shelves can enhance in-store experiences, and how AI can optimise pricing, stock management, and customer communication. What was once a support function is now at the heart of retail strategy.

As our team reflected over lunch, one thing became clear: opportunities in retail technology are only just beginning. Retailers are more open than ever to listening, experimenting, and adopting new ideas. Those who innovate, collaborate, and stay adaptable will define the next generation of retail success.

And so, as we toasted to our new contract, we also toasted to the future — a future where technology and creativity continue to reshape the way the world shops.