The top June 2021 retail innovations put a focus on speedy deliveries, spotlighting small businesses and independent creators, as well as next-gen store designs that consider the needs of post-pandemic life and beyond.
While it's become fairly standard for some delivery services to turnaround orders in a matter of a few hours, some new partnerships are making it possible for people to get convenience store items, grocery goods and other essentials in 30 minutes, as seen in the Instacart Priority Delivery service launching in the North American market.
Retailers are also experimenting with on-demand modular marketplaces, augmented reality product discovery and fitting room experiences, as well as autonomous stores powered by 5G technology and computer vision technology to support safe and seamless shopping.
Top 45 Retail Trends in June
From Immersive AR Try-Ons to Ultra-Fast Grocery Deliveries:
Laura McQuarrie — Jun 19, 2021 — Business

45
5G-Powered Autonomous Stores
AiFi and Verizon Created a Next-Gen Convenience Store

44
On-Demand Modular Marketplaces
The Locket is Stocked with a Mix of Snacks, Meals and Brand Goods

43
Industrial Plywood Shoe Displays
Vans New Seoul Store Pays Homage to a Modern Art Exhibition
42
Immersive AR Try-Ons
Snapchat is Introducing Try-On Experiences with Fashion Partners
41
Vibrant Inclusive Fashion Collaborations
Target's Designer Dress Collection is Flowy and Floral
40
Outdoor Digital Signage Technologies
Samsung and Tim Hortons Elevate Digital Drive-Thru Displays
39
Sustainable Personalized Polo Services
Ralph Lauren's Made-to-Order Polo Program Reduces Waste
38
Designer Rainwear Collections
Canada Goose Partnered with Y/Project on a Unisex Rainwear Capsule
37
Small Business Shop Windows
Westfield's Side Hustle Heroes Initiative Spotlights New Businesses
36
Co-Branded Eco Cleaning Products
Grove Collaborative and Target Launch Sustainable Series
35
Swiping Try-on Apps
Zyler Offers a Simple and Realistic Clothing Try-on Experience
34
In-Store NFT Experiences
Sweet & Happy Jack Launched an NFT Series on Mental Health Awareness
33
Small Business-Finding Apps
The Amaze App Helps Locals Discover New Businesses in Their Area
32
Virtual Fitting Room Acquisitions
Walmart Acquires the Zeekit Virtual Fitting Room Software
31
Kid-Friendly E-Commerce Platforms
CAMP's Present Shop Lets Kids Safely Shop for Gifts Online
30
Viral Jewelry Storefronts
The Color of Tiffany is Taking a Backseat to Promote Yellow Diamonds
29
Circular Performance Apparel Initiatives
Arc'teryx Launches Circularity Initiative -- ReBird
28
Fast Casual Pancake Spots
IHOP Is Opening a New Fast Casual Concept, flip’d by IHOP
27
Library-Inspired Tablet Pop-Ups
reMarkable's A Better Place to Think Pop-Up Inspires Calm & Focus
26
Digital Local Fashion Stores
Amazon's Local Label Hub Spotlights Small Businesses
25
Circular Furniture Retailers
MADE Teams with Geev for a Furniture Giveaway Initiative
24
Office Retail Reorganizations
Office Depot Will Split into a Retailer and a B2B Business
23
Plant-Based Membership Plans
PlantX Recently Launched the New PlantXpress Membership Plan
22
BBQ-Ready Summer Seltzers
Vista Bay Hard Seltzers are Designed with Food Pairings in Mind
21
Mobile-Based POS Solutions
PayTabs Touch is a Cost-Effective and Contactless POS System for MENA
20
Brand Ambassador Agreements
Dick's Sporting Goods Has New Ambassadors for Private Label Products
19
Accessible Eco Produce Distribution
Hilton Hotels Recently Signed an Agreement with FreshOnTable
18
Plastic Elimination Retail Initiatives
Tesco Announced a New Reduced Plastic Packaging Initiative
17
Brick-and-Mortar Crypto Banks
India Opens 14 In-Person Crypto Currency Banks
16
Ultra-Fast Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart Priority Delivery will Offer Items in 30-Minutes
15
Retail Business Acquisitions
Gap is Selling Its Intermix Business to a Private Equity Firm
14
Soft Plastic Recycling Programs
Aldi is Trialling Soft Plastics Collection in the UK
13
Fashion Retail Acquisitions
South Moon Under Was Purchased by Ames Watson a Private Equity Firm
12
American Whiskey Expansions
Irish Brand Kirker Greer Spirits Picked Up Bowsaw American Whiskey
11
Sustainable Electronic Retail Designations
Best Buy Received Its First Zero Waste Certification
10
Same Day Retail Deliveries
Walgreens Launched Its New Two-Hour Delivery Service Across the U.S.
9
30-Minute Convenience Store Deliveries
7-Eleven & Instacart Expanded on Their Partnership
8
Clothing Retailer Acquisitions
Eddie Bauer Was Purchased by Sparc Group for an Undisclosed Sum
7
Retail Eyewear Collaborations
Gap Entered into an Eyewear Deal with De Rigo Launching in 2022
6
Canadian Marketplace Expansions
The Bay's Marketplace Appeals to a Wider Base of Online Shoppers
5
Zipper-Themed Virtual Showrooms
YKK Digitally Recreated Its Showroom in Londom
4
Paper Retail Acquisitions
Paper Source is Likely to Be Sold to Elliot Investment Management
3
Beauty Brand Courier App Deliveries
Esteé Lauder's Products Will Be Available Through Uber Eats
2
Grocery Pick-Up Rideshare Features
Uber Users Can Now Pick Up Grocery Orders During Their Ride
1
Clothing Sub-Brand Acquisitions
Ralph Lauren Sold Its Club Monaco Brand to a Firm Named Regent
Related Ideas
Technology-Driven Retail Spaces
ARK Visual Unveils Future Stores as an Immersive Retail Identity
Immersive Fashion Pop-Ups
SHEIN Launches Multi-Category Toronto Shopping Experience This Spring
AR Retail Kiosks
BIG Digital and DeepAR Bring Mobile & Desktop Try-Ons to Store Settings
AI Retail Assortment Tools
dunnhumby Assortment Uses Advanced AI to Enhance Customer Experiences
Immersive 3D Fashion Exhibits
Portal:M x Virtual Fashion Exhibition Host a Phygital Experience
AI-Powered Shopping Experiences
SOOT Introduced Moodboard-Inspired Shopping
College-Targeted Food Pop-Ups
Uber Hosts 'The One Shop' Across University Campuses
Fresh Grocery Delivery Partnerships
FreshDirect and Uber Eats Teamed Up to Offer Produce and More
Autonomous Micro Markets
Micromart Features Digital Price Tags & AI Product Recognition Sensors
GenAI Shopping Assistants
Shopping Muse Supports Michael Kors US Website Visitors
AI-Powered Ecommerce Technologies
Hugo Boss Launches a New AI-Powered Product Content Feature
AI-Powered Smart Trolleys
Instacart Unveils a New AI-Powered Shopping Cart Partnership with Aldi
Grab-and-Go Employee-Free Retailers
Lotus Launched a 'Pick & Go' Location in Thailand
Retail Store Revamps
H&M Updates Shopping Experience with Luxe, Tech-Savvy Store in London
Enhanced In-Store Inventory Management
Old Navy Enters into a Strategic Partnership with RADAR
Experiential Intimates Spaces
Knix Opens Immersive Retail Location at Premium Shopping Centre
Wearable AI Retail Assistants
Augmodo Unveils a New Pilot Affecting Four Warehouse Locations
AI-Driven Product Photoshoots
Unilever Shared Its Use of AI and Digital Twins at NVIDIA GTC 2025
Cost-Conscious Cashierless Microstores
Fainders.AI Launched a Prefab MicroStore Within a Gym
5g-Enabled Retail Showcases
Singtel is Surpassing Consumer Expectations with 5G Retail
Efficiency-Driven AI Retail Models
Google Cloud's New Retail Solutions Seek to Optimize Workflow
Gamified Beauty Pop-Ups
The Players' Lounge Pop-Up by NARS Spotlights Complexion Products
Virtual Holiday Shopping Experiences
Amazon Introduces a New Holiday Shop with 3D Technology
AR-Enhanced Hair Dye Boxes
L’Oréal & Snapchat Brought an AR Packaging Experience to Walmart
Same-Day Fashion Rental Deliveries
Hurr x Deliveroo Helps Users Quickly Receive Pre-Loved Styles
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Curated Online Fashion Storefronts
SHEIN Introduced its 'Trend Stores' for Personalized Shopping
Phygital Beauty Store Experiences
Sephora's Store of the Future Locations are Immersive
Virtual Try-On Services
SpreeAI is Making Significant Strides in the Fashion Industry
AR Locker Rooms
Snapchat and Selfridges Created a Pop-Up for Virtually Trying on Sports Kits
Transformative AI Shopping Experiences
Omoda and Google Cloud Partner for Generative-AI Shopping
Tailored Retail Experiences
Levi’s Reinvents Retail with NextGen Indigo Shopping Experience
Gen Z-Centric Campaigns
Urban Outfitters' Shift Happens Campaign Has Three Phases
Accessible Mindful Shopping Initiatives
Style DNA Brings Sustainability to Black Friday Shopping
Speedy Retailer Delivery Partnerships
Walmart and DoorDash Announced a New Partnership in Canada
AI Beauty Shopping Experiences
Revieve x Google Cloud Launch the Next Gen AI Advisor Series
Interactive AR Storefronts
Spotselfie AR Meta Stores Tie Real-World Places to Virtual Storefronts
Retail-Focused AI Blueprints
NVIDIA Will Transform Shopping Experiences Online & in Stores
Branded Low-Cost eCommerce Stores
Amazon Haul Offers Low-Cost Products to Attract Shoppers
Physical Metaverse Merchandise Stores
Roblox will Sell Physical Goods with Shopify
AI Retail Wearables
Augmodo SmartBadges Track Tasks and Inventory in Real Time
Record-Breaking Autonomous Supermarkets
Sensei Debuted a Groundbreaking Supermarket at NRF 2025
Elevated In-Store Experiences
Bath & Body Works Adapts its Store Designs to Appeal to Gen Z
AI-Powered eCommerce Features
Amazon Interests Offers Tailored Product Options for Shoppers
AI-Backed Grocery Recommendations
Instacart Smart Shop Uses AI to Enhance Searches
AR-Powered Try-On Rooms
Snapchat Unveils a New AR Locker Room at Selfridges Oxford Street London
Data-Driven QSR Campaigns
Burger King's BK Unwrapped Reveals Customers' 2024 Ordering Preferences
Live Shopping Flagships
Outlandish's Santa Monica Location Supports Live Social Media Shopping
Personalized Ecommerce Updates
Google Shopping Introduces a 'For You' Feed for its Ecommerce App
AI-Driven Last-Mile Deliveries
The Rounds Predicts When Items Need Replacing with Machine Learning
AI-Enhanced Shopping Experiences
Coveo’s Collaboration with Shopify Seeks to Streamline Shopping
Refreshed Retail Initiatives
Target is Improving its Customer Experience Journey in 2024
Virtual Interactive Shopping Experiences
Appy Pie Endpoint Launches Suite of Virtual Try-On APIs
24/7 Live Shopping Streams
QVC is Launching an Always-On Shopping Experience with TikTok Shop
Shoppable CPG Ads
Instacart-Powered Shoppable Video Ads are Coming to YouTube
Rebranded Food Delivery Apps
Skip Revamps Its Brand Identity to 'Skip to the Good Part'
Conscious-Focused Retail Stores
ATLAS Opens its Doors in Westfield Century City
Global Fashion Promotions
E-Commerce Giant SHEIN Launches Extended Holiday Shopping Event
Interactive Cosmetics Retail Stores
Watsons Upgrades its Stores for Gen Z and Gen Alpha Consumers
Localized Retail Experiences
UNIQLO Sherway Blends Japanese Tradition with Toronto Culture
Hyper-Personalized AI Campaigns
Tesco's Stronger Starts Uses AI to Recognize Customers by Name
AI-Powered Pizza Experiences
Papa Johns and Google Cloud Partner to Optimize Delivery Routes
Luxury AR Packaging Solutions
Mytheresa Released App-Controlled Innovative Product Packagings
Members-Only Retail Platforms
Invite-Only Subscription Platform Mile Reshapes Luxury Shopping
Generative AI-Powered Retail Platforms
UST Has Introduced the UST Retail GenAI Platform
Enhanced Omnichannel Experiences
Lightspeed Commerce Addresses Challenges in Retail & Hospitality
Customizable Retail Mobile Apps
Lightspeed Promotes On-the-Go Sales with its 'Lightspeed Scanner'
Data-Driven Grocery Deliveries
Burq Last-Mile Delivery is Aiming to Transform Grocery This Year
Beauty Supply Delivery Services
Uber Eats and Sally Beauty Launch a New Delivery Option
Immersive Virtual Pop-Ups
Benefit Launches Virtual 'Benemart' Concept for Holiday Shopping
AI Thrifting Assistants
ThredUp Debuts New AI Features to Enhance Consumers' Shopping Journeys
Size-Replicating Try-On Technologies
Google Shopping Debuts Virtual Dress Try-Ons in the U.S.
Trend Prediction Services
Tagwalk Revolutionizes Fashion Forecasting with a New AI Dashboard
Inventive Retail Strategies
H&M is Working to Localize Its Shopping Experience
AI-Powered Loyalty Programs
The Ubacart Loyalty Program is Targeted Towards Convenience Stores
Expanded Food Delivery Apps
Instacart Partners with Uber Eats to Expand its Delivery Services
Rapid Grocery Delivery Services
Instacart and Albertsons Companies Have Expanded Their Partnership
AI-Enabled Retail Partnerships
Sainsbury’s and Microsoft Partnered to Elevate Shipping Experiences
Youth-Focused Pizza Launches
Domino's Pizza Relaunches its Gen Z-Focused Emergency Pizza Promotion
Approachable Retailer Branding Updates
The Latest Walmart Brand Refresh Reflects its Legacy
Influencer-Led Virtual Shops
Walmart Launches the New Walmart Realm Digital E-Commerce Experience
AR Fashion Creations
The ETERNITEE AR Platform Enhances Consumer Interaction
AI-Powered Clothing Shopping Partnerships
True Fit and Shopify are Working Together for Sizing
Tech-Enhanced Grocery Retail Experiences
RSA America & the California Grocers Association Partner
Inspiring Food Color Reports
Oterra Color Trends 2025 Put Four Trends in the Spotlight
Group Ordering Retail Deliveries
Gopuff GoGroup Lets Multiple People Order Items for Delivery
In-Store Audience Engagement Solutions
Social Shelf® Has a Novel Approach to Customer Engagement
AR Watch Try-Ons
Perfect Corp. and TIMEZ Created a Digital Experience for Luxury Watch Shopping
Retail Innovation-Focused Events
Spar International Hosts the Spar Transform Event to Boost Retail
Generative AI Shopping Assistants
SoftServe Debuts a New Gen AI Retail Shopping Assistant
Cashier-Free Grocer Expansions
Aisle 24 Continues to Expand in Canada Amid Success
Social Shopping Integrations
The MONAT Tiktok Shop Strengthens the Direct Sales Business Model
Trendy Private Label Launches
Kroger Unveils a Variety of Elevated Options for its Private Label
Hardware Delivery Partnerships
Instacart and The Home Depot Partnered for Same-Day Delivery
Social Shopping Networks
Stage TEN Empowers Creators to Build Their Own Live Shopping Channel
Rewarding AI Shopping Apps
The ShopUp App Revolutionizes In-Store Shopping with AI Data
GenAI Planogram Tools
Optimum Retailing Launched Realgram AI at NRF 2025
Gamified Shopping Carts
Instacart Unveils New Updates to its Smart Shopping Carts
Expanded Retailer Delivery Ranges
Meijer Home Delivery Will Now Reach Four-Million More Households
Collaborative Beauty Deliveries
Ulta Beauty Partners with Instacart for Same-Day Delivery
Combined Retailer Deliveries
Walmart Pharmacy Delivery Also Offers Access to General Merchandise
Shoppable Fridge Screens
Samsung Unveils a New Partnership with Instacart for On-Fridge Shopping
Autonomous Retail Solutions
Simbe Robotics Debuts a New Tool to Remotely Monitor Store Shelves
Grocery Loyalty Partnerships
Amazon & Morrisons Announce MorePoints Support on the Amazon Store
Expanded Technology Marketplaces
Best Buy Has Plans to Launch a New Third-Party Marketplace
Geo-Targeting Store Advertisements
Tesco Recommends Ads Based on a Shopper's Location in a Store
Omnichannel Automotive Services
Automotive Mastermind has Adapted to Modern Consumer Patterns
Same-Day Beauty Deliveries
Sally Beauty and Instacart Expanded Their Partnership with New Offers
3D-Powered Furniture Retailer Networks
The 3D Cloud Network Introduces a Streamlined Solution
Streamlined POS Experiences
Instacart, DUMAC and TRUNO Enhance AI-Powered Smart Cart Adoption
24-Hour AI-Powered Stores
REWE To Go and Lekkerland SE Open Germany's First Autonomous Store
Extra-Speedy Last-Mile Deliveries
Snappy Shopper and Stuart Announced a New Partnership in the UK
Navigational Grocery Store Apps
Speed Grocer is a Trusted Companion for a Quicker Shop
Accessible Online Retail Initiatives
Instacart and Walgreens Partnered to Accept SNAP/EBT Online
Scandinavian Aesthetics-Forward Shop Designs
Quadrant Design Shapes the Atmosphere in Eton's Shop
Late Night Retailer Deliveries
Walmart Now Offers Ultra Late-Night Delivery Nationwide in the US
QR Code Shopping Assistants
Nintendo Implemented Icecat Tech to Enhance In-Store Shopping
Cloud-Based Grocery Technology
Pricer Plaza Signs an Agreement with a Tier 1 North American Grocer
AR Try-On Technologies
Nextech3D.ai Intends to Acquire Designhubz to Expand Its E-Commerce Prowess
Speedy Beauty Product Deliveries
DoorDash and Ulta Beauty Partnered for Same-Day Delivery
Personalized Retail Media Networks
Thrive Market Collaborates with Instacart on a New Network
Asian Retail Automation Technologies
Ikea South Korea is Using Automation for Online Ordering
Inventory Optimization-Focused Features
Lightspeed Insights Now Boasts Seasonality Forecasting
Tech-Focused Delivery Expansions
Best Buy is Now Allowing Scheduled Deliveries in Some U.S. States
AI-Powered Checkout Models
Amazon's Just Walk Out Technology Supports Seamless Checkouts
Global Food Retail Expansions
Supermarket Italy Emphasizes Global Flavors from Around the World
Checkout-Free Convenience Systems
7-Eleven Australia Integrates a Checkout-Free Shopping System
Multi-Brand E-Commerce Expansions
Multiple Grocers are Adapting Instacart's Storefront Pro Tool
Optimized Late-Night Deliveries
THG Fulfil's Next-Day Deliveries Support Late-Night Shoppers
AI-Powered Tech Deliveries
Best Buy Unveils the New AI-Powered Delivery Service
Community-Led Grocery Initatives
CaringBridge and Instacart Unite to Enhance Delivery Services
Second-Hand Tech Deliveries
CeX and Just Eat Takeaway.com Will Deliver Pre-Owned Gaming Products
Expansive Child Product Ranges
The Latest Target Baby Products Will Come in Many Options
Beauty Retailing Expansions
Revolution Beauty Joins Amazon Distribution
Third-Party Coupon Providers
Instacart Taps Ibotta to Provide Customers with Digital Coupons
Social Media Tech Stores
Kronos Advanced Technologies Launches a Store on TikTok
Virtual Retail Solutions
Simbe's Store Intelligence™ Solutions Provide Results on a Global Scale
Curated Autumnal Retailer Collections
ALDI Finds for September Help Shoppers Kick Off Fall
AR Merchandising Tools
Instore Activation Enhances Trade Marketing With Real-Time AR Solutions
South African Delivery Enhancements
Takealot Introduces an Unlimited Free Delivery Subscription