Retail Technology News: April update

‘s Style Studio enables virtual kitchen design.

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.