2023 RTIH Innovation Awards winner Pets at Home gets digital as retailer opens first of four concept stores

British omnichannel retailer Pets at Home has launched the first of four concept stores.

This is situated in Anlaby, Hull, with Pets at Home using sustainable materials in the construction build, PoS and signage.

It has also introduced digital experiences that aim to deliver easier routes to its expertise, advice and extended ranges.

In a LinkedIn post, Helen Fraser, Group Development Director at Pets at Home, said: “I was lucky enough to be there for the grand opening and there is a lot to be excited about.”

“We’ve elevated colleague and consumer experiences across Nutrition and Pet Health, trialled new impulse kit to drive incremental sales, placed in spotlight displays to showcase innovation and/or provide education, and created a localised welcome with Pets Foundation activation.”

She added: “We’ve been supported in delivery by some great designers, suppliers and contractors - particular shoutout to True Story, ITAB UK, Key Group, Image Technique, and Mitchell & Co.”

“This has been a massively collaborative project across the organisation, but special mention to my development teams who have worked tirelessly to ensure even the smallest of details were landed well.”

2023 RTIH Innovation Awards

Barron McCann emerged victorious at the 2023 RTIH Innovation Awards.

It has been supporting Pets at Home with the installation of technology solutions across the UK, to help store workers provide a practical and unique experience for pet owners.  

The firm replaced more than 2,000 legacy chip and PIN terminals at 456 sites during a 14-week period.

This work led to Barron McCann being highly commended in the Best Retailer/Technology Supplier Relationship (UK) category, together with Pets at Home.

Piper said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award, which reflects the strong relationship that we have with Pets at Home. It is a testament to our commitment to delivering quality service through innovation and collaboration.”

“I am genuinely excited about the relationship we have with Pets at Home and the key word in all we do is ‘collaboration’. Through the open and transparent approach from both parties, solutions and improvements become frictionless and and we are growing a culture of celebrating joint success.”

Following the chip and PIN roll-out with Pets at Home, Barron McCann has since provided an ongoing engineering maintenance support service for the terminals.  

Mark Baird, Service Supplier Manager at Pets at Home, said: “Barron McCann are a valued partner of Pets at Home and we have built a relationship on trust and honesty.”

“This gives us confidence when initiating projects such as the chip and PIN roll-out, that we have a safe pair of hands to hit our timescales and react to issues when required.”  

2024 RTIH Innovation Awards

The sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

This year, we’re bringing you three new categories: AI Innovation, Sustainable Retail Innovation, and Inclusive Technology Innovation.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.