Some argue that iBeacon has the potential to completely change the way we interact with environments, from retail outlets to museums – and others even claim that it could “change the world forever”. But what makes it so special?

From paying at self-checkouts to ordering with apps, modern shoppers are handling more and more elements of the shopping journey themselves. But is streamlining the shopping experience removing the personal element of retail?

“Google policy is to get right up to the 'creepy' line and not cross it,” says the company's CEO. But when does insightful personalisation become intrusive? And how do brands build lasting relationships with consumers concerned about being spied on?

In the smartphone era, 'traditional' card-based loyalty schemes are evolving. How does Shopkick, an app that rewards people for shopping, inject new life into the high street?