Virgin Media O2 showcases the latest technology as it opens flagship store in Westfield, Stratford City

Virgin Media O2 has opened a new concept store in Westfield Stratford City. 

The UK’s largest telco store at nearly 5,000 sqft, it adds to the current 300 physical locations Virgin Media O2 already operates across the country..

It will be divided into discovery zones across an open plan layout, giving customers the chance to test out the latest products as well as popular gaming and entertainment tech, with dedicated expert advisers on hand to answer any questions. 

Earlier this year, the company rolled out new tools that enable store staff to better support customers with their services in person. Additional functionality will be added next year to further aid store staff and provide customers with more ways to get help should they need it.

Rob Orr, Chief Operations Officer, Virgin Media O2, says: “This opening demonstrates our ongoing commitment to serving customers at a time and place that works best for them, including on the high street. Over the past 12 months, we have invested millions of pounds to upgrade and improve over 100 stores giving customers a brilliant experience when they shop with us.”

“With further investment planned in 2025 and beyond, including new tools that will bolster the support colleagues can offer in person, we remain focused on strengthening our connections with communities and delivering even more value for our customers.”

Virgin Media O2 adopted a sustainable approach when constructing the store, incorporating recycled and reused materials while prioritising energy efficiency throughout the design and build.

The store also aims to make it easier for consumers to recycle their old or unwanted devices, helping the company to reach its wider sustainability targets. Electronics, including old mobiles, earphones, wearable tech and cables can be recycled in exchange for money.

It is also a National Databank hub, where people experiencing data poverty can get a free O2 SIM with 25GB of monthly data, plus texts and calls for 12 months to stay connected.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores were 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.