Retail technology innovation of the week: Ikea Kreativ lets shoppers create cozy, customised bedroom set-ups

Retail Technology Innovation of the Week is a series brought to you by RTIH, and sponsored by 3D Cloud, highlighting stand out deployments, launches, and initiatives by retailers and tech suppliers.

Every week, we will showcase forward thinking tech plays that have impressed our Editor and the Retail Technology Innovations Report judging panel, alongside the publication of the 2024 report.

So far, we’ve flagged up sterling work being done by Ocado Retail, Decathlon, Lacoste, Downtown Spirits, TalkShopLive, Huck’s, Wing, Nobody’s Child, IKI, Pixevia, Archive, Therabody, Outform, Kingfisher, Boots UK, Ocula Technologies, Ikea, Carrefour Belgium, Matalan, and McDonald’s.

And this week we’re focusing on Ikea Kreativ which now offers a new experience to help users create a cozy, customised bedroom set-up.

In the UK, US and Canada, customers can design their bedrooms, including the ability to scan and design a whole room, explore duvet and accent pillow combinations, and tap an AI powered rules engine that suggests logical product placements.

Parag Parekh, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at Ikea Retail (Ingka Group), says “We’re thrilled to offer a new experience with Ikea Kreativ, empowering people to design personalised and authentic spaces that support better sleep. Restful sleep is essential for comfort, belonging, and well-being, and this solution helps turn inspiring ideas into cozy, restful environments.” 

Powered by AI and 3D visualisation, Ikea Kreativ is now available in 29 Ikea markets worldwide (apart from China), via both the retailer's website and app. 

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last month’s gathering.