AI tops retail technology for unlocking growth in 2025 among UK firms, RTS research finds

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the top technology UK retail leaders feel will unlock and accelerate growth for their businesses in 2025, according to research from Retail Technology Show (RTS).

A survey of over 2,000 senior UK retail professionals flags Gen AI, personalisation, marketing automation, and in-store analytics as the other key technologies for next year.

Matt Bradley, Event Director at RTS, comments: “The advent of AI maturity and mass adoption has galvanised retailers’ imagination for what it can deliver for their businesses, and increasingly they’re seeing the technology as an accelerator for growth.”

“UK retail has long led the way in the innovation stakes globally, so while its fast-paced deployment is unsurprising, the ‘AI acid test’ will come as retailers look longer-term at the ROI it can deliver. That not only relies on data input and security, but also on creative implementations that drive meaningful efficiency and customer benefits, as well as considering how AI datacentres can be operated and run more sustainably in the mid- to long-term.”

Debuting in its new home, ExCeL London, RTS will welcome 15,000 retail professionals on 2nd and 3rd April 2025. Register for free to attend here.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI was a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which are now closed for entries.

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.