2024 RTIH Innovation Awards: Most Innovative UK Retailer category shortlist announced, sponsored by Scala

We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards Most Innovative UK Retailer category, sponsored by Scala.

We received a record number of submissions this year across 20+ categories and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.

It’s now over to our judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, which will take place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.

The event will be held on Thursday, 21st November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

Congratulations to all of our finalists.

To book your place at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Thursday, 21st November, click here.

MOST INNOVATIVE UK RETAILER SHORTLIST AS FOLLOWS:

Who has been the UK’s most innovative, customer focused retailer this year?

Judges are asked to look at highlighted tech deployments, pilots, initiatives etc  and decide which retailer has been the most consistently forward thinking and customer centric over the last 12 months. 

Brompton Bicycles and BigCommerce

Brompton’s e-commerce platform lacked the flexibility needed to support its expansion. Website changes were difficult, and the system couldn’t scale during busy times.

Brompton moved to the BigCommerce platform and implemented a composable architecture with a tech stack that addressed its immediate omnichannel needs while providing flexibility for future changes.

Clarks and NewStore

In just over a year, Clarks underwent a global digital transformation, partnering with NewStore and AbsoluteLabs to implement a unified commerce platform across 512 stores in 13 countries.

The initiative included a new mobile PoS and omnichannel order management system, resulting in a seamless and consistent customer experience across channels. This modernisation was critical for Clarks, enabling the brand to replace legacy systems, streamline operations, and improve associate efficiency.

Currys

Currys’ trial of the accessibility tool WelcoMe is designed with inclusivity right at the heart.

The partnership is already having an impact on making in-store shopping easier for customers with disabilities. Customers register their specific requirements prior to visiting a local Currys store, which allows colleagues to prepare for, and personalise their visit.

Ikea

Ikea knows that consumer habits are changing, and so it wants to embrace new technologies and expand its Click and Collect options to make shopping at the retailer more accessible, affordable and sustainable to the many and bring it closer to the customer than ever before.

Ikea UK has partnered with Tesco UK and taken part in a global test and trial project for pick-up lockers. The lockers have been specially designed to meet the specific needs of customers and can easily accommodate everything from single home furnishing accessories to even the largest furniture orders.

Tesco

Creative Canvas (CC) is an AI powered tool developed by Tesco Labs to enhance the copywriting process across various departments.

Launched about a year ago, it provides tailored workspaces for creative teams, enabling them to generate consistent, on-brand content efficiently. By automating repetitive tasks like SEO optimisation, image description, and job ad creation, CC allows users to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of their roles.

The Fragrance Shop and Agency72

The Fragrance Shop’s new experiential flagship on London’s Oxford Street redefines fragrance retail through cutting-edge technology and personalied experiences. Spanning 2,300 sq ft, the store offers interactive features such as ‘Lift and Learn’ displays and an AI driven 'Algorithmic Perfumery,' allowing customers to create bespoke fragrances in minutes.

And the winner is…

Join us at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on Thursday, 21st November to celebrate retail technology innovation and our 2024 winners.

To secure your place at the event, please complete the below form and we will get back to you with further details asap.