Reinventing the retail landscape with AI: RTIH presents last week’s biggest technology plays at a glance
RTIH rounds up the stand out retail systems deals, launches, deployments and pilots from the past seven days. Including Gao, Google Cloud, Revolve Group, The Body Shop, Amazon, Asda, M&S, Tesco, Currys Ireland, Ben Sherman, City Beach, and MediaMarktSaturn.
Gap
Gap reports a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud covering its portfolio of brands, including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta.
“AI is redefining what’s possible in retail, and we’re building our future technology roadmap around it,” says Sven Gerjets, Chief Technology Officer at Gap. “We believe this partnership gives us the expertise and speed to bring AI to life across our business, empowering teams, sparking creativity, and delivering for customers faster and with greater personalisation than ever.”
“Our partnership with Gap is about reinventing the retail landscape with AI and helping them lead the industry with speed, personalisation, and game-changing customer experiences,” says Thomas Kurian, CEO, Google Cloud. “Today, only Google offers a complete AI optimised stack - from silicon to models to platform to apps and agents - that can deliver this kind of transformation.”
The tie up will provide Gap with a unified, AI powered platform which it expects to fuel innovation and greater efficiency across product creation, customer experience, and employee enablement using Google Cloud technologies such as Gemini, Vertex AI and BigQuery.
Revolve Group
Revolve Group has launched a Zelig AI powered ‘Build a Look’ fashion experience, allowing shoppers to create a digital closet and mix and match outfits virtually for the first time on the brand’s e-commerce site.
The platform aims to solve the challenge in online shopping of reducing high return rates, improving product discovery and offering greater personalisation. Zelig’s AI renders garments on models with lifelike accuracy, capturing how fabrics drape, proportions shift, and textures layer using thousands of proprietary data points.
By combining GenAI and computer vision with the expertise of celebrity stylists, the platform enables shoppers to create looks through interactive recommendations and occasion-based prompts.
East of England Co-op
East of England Co-op has become the first UK retailer to pilot full digital compliance across its estate when maintaining its Costa Coffee coffee to go machines, as it ramps up a commitment to reducing its use of paper.
In a LinkedIn post, it said: “This roll-out helps us to work more sustainably and efficiently as well as enabling us to track compliance centrally.”
“A massive thank you to Costa Coffee for their collaboration and a big well done to our colleagues Ashley Hollingsworth, Gemma Wickens and Luke Warren for leading the way in driving this project forward as part of our digital compliance journey.”
MediaMarktSaturn
MediaMarktSaturn is leveraging One Tech Group technology to power its in-store retail media operations.
Through integration with the Supply-Side Platform (SSP1), MediaMarktSaturn’s in-store retail media inventory will be available for programmatic booking. The tie up will begin with a phased roll-out across key European markets.
Using One Tech Group’s platform, it will be possible to manage campaigns centrally via Adserver. At the same time, inventory can be marketed and booked programmatically via the integrated SSP1. The implementation will be carried out in collaboration with XPlace, MediaMarktSaturn’s in-house content management system.
Those involved say that advertisers will gain access to one of Europe’s most far reaching retail media networks and can deliver their campaigns precisely at the Point of Sale.
The first phase will include Germany and Spain, followed by Turkey and other European countries. Roll-out in Germany and Spain is expected to be completed by the end of the year. In a later expansion phase, the data interface and API (DMP1) will allow activation of first- and third-party data.
Erborian
Perfect Corp. has partnered with Erborian for the launch of the brand’s Find Your Match experience. The tie up highlights Erborian’s latest launch, a new CC Crème.
Perfect Corp. leveraged its Virtual Try-On solution with AR to realistically apply makeup shades directly onto a user's face in real-time. Erborian is bringing the technology to TikTok, with the aim of creating an interactive and playful product discovery journey.
This begins by inviting users to choose their ideal coverage level, from light with the new CC Crème, to medium with the BB Crème, or full with the Super BB. Once directed to the right product, users can explore every shade in real-time through Perfect Corp.’s technology.
They can switch between shades, compare their look with and without product, and instantly identify their perfect match. Once selected, the chosen shade is applied across the entire face.
The Body Shop
The Body Shop is working with RELEX Solutions as it looks to transition from manual and labour intensive supply chain processes to a unified, AI driven platform.
The retailer says it will implement forecasting and replenishment to optimise inventory management and improve operational efficiency across its global stores, franchises, and distribution centres.
Previously, The Body Shop was unable to continuously deliver outputs at the required pace, using legacy ERP systems and manual processes. As part of its renewal strategy, it is focused on building a leaner, more resilient supply chain to support strategic growth, particularly through its expanding franchise network.
Rackhams
Recently relaunched online department store, Rackhams, has announced a new three-year partnership with Marketplacer following a first year that has seen the company onboard more than 600 sellers and list over 200,000 products on its offering.
Rackhams was originally founded in 1881 by John Rackham and William Matthews. In the 1950s, it was owned by Harrods and then House of Fraser, and during the 1970s, the name was used for stores across the Midlands and Northern England. It closed in 2000 and relaunched in 2023 as an online marketplace.
“Marketplacer has been instrumental in helping us scale quickly,” says Mark Jordan, CEO at Rackhams.
“Seller data comes in all shapes and sizes, so forcing sellers into a strict one size fits all structure will never lead to success. That’s why we’ve maintained a flexible, hands on approach - shaping data to deliver a consistent customer experience while helping partners showcase their products in the best possible way.”
“If you can remove pain points for your partners, you gain far more traction. We know sellers value being able to speak to real people. That’s not just good service - it builds lasting relationships, which are key to the success of any marketplace as our sellers and their products are the lifeblood of Rackhams.”
Breuninger
Topsort, an AI and auction-based retail media infrastructure company, has announced a partnership with luxury European fashion and lifestyle retailer E. Breuninger.
Breuninger operates 13 department stores across Germany and Luxembourg, as well as an e-commerce business serving multiple European countries.
It is now running its retail media operations using Topsort’s sponsored listings and banner ads.
“Partnering with Breuninger underscores our ability to meet the highest expectations of global retail media, where brand safety, customer experience, and innovation must come together seamlessly,” says Regina Ye, CEO and Co-founder at Topsort.
“This collaboration sets a new benchmark for how luxury retailers can unlock revenue while delivering meaningful, relevant experiences for their shoppers and brand partners.”
“Together with Topsort we strive to become the leading destination for premium and luxury retail media in the German speaking regions. Leveraging our first party data for endemic and non-endemic brands, in combination with our omnichannel capabilities, we want to position ourselves as a partner for brand building,” says Daniel Grafe, Director Retail Media & Brand Cooperations at Breuninger.
Glik’s
Fashion retailer Glik’s is implementing Aptos ONE POS and OMS, both cloud native solutions.
It says that the initiative will yield key benefits, including more unified customer experiences across physical and digital channels, PoS mobility, and simplified, centralised store operations management.
Founded in 1897, Glik’s is one of the oldest family owned fashion retailers in the US and is currently led by the fourth and fifth generations of the Glik family. It has 70-plus stores and a growing e-commerce presence.
“Our secret sauce is adapting to each community that we serve,” says Melissa Haynes, Chief Marketing Officer at Glik’s. “With an emphasis on highly curated store assortments, our merchandise buyers are closely connected with our store managers and staff to ensure each store is filled with brands and styles that resonate with local shoppers.”
“Equally important to a product selection that adapts to our customers’ needs is ensuring that the overall experience with the Glik’s brand aligns with shoppers’ changing preferences,” Haynes adds. “Our expanded partnership with Aptos provides an opportunity to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, personalisation and cohesion in every customer interaction.”
Love’s Travel Stops
Love’s Travel Stops, which has 662 locations in 42 US states, has announced the launch of Love's Media Group, pitched as the first retail media network designed specifically for America's travel stops and the first to reach professional truck drivers at scale.
"Love's Media Group represents an exciting evolution of our commitment to enhancing the customer experience while creating new value for our brand partners," says Patrick McLean, Chief Marketing Officer at Love's.
"We're uniquely positioned at the intersection of mobility, loyalty and commerce. With our nationwide footprint and deep relationships with both professional drivers and travellers on the road, we can offer advertisers something no one else can - direct access to a high volume, high intent audience in motion."
Love's Media Group aims to turn Love's physical and digital assets into a unified advertising platform spanning the entire customer journey - from fuel pump screens and in-store digital signage to the Love's Connect mobile app and My Love Rewards loyalty programme.
Amazon
Fans of South Korean girl group Le Sserafim were recently able to both buy merchandise and experience the joys of checkout-free shopping as a pop-up went live in Los Angeles in conjunction with Amazon Music.
This was powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.
In a LinkedIn post, Ary Esfahani, Head of Marketing, Music Merch at Amazon Music, said: “Long lines are a regular thing in the merch business, which can deter some fans altogether.”
“Last week, we brought Amazon's Just Walk Out technology to a merch pop-up in LA for Le Sserafim. Fans could quickly grab and go with the merch they wanted, and we had a little surprise at the end of the day with the artists onsite to meet fans. Proud of the team working hard to innovate the merch buying experience for fans.”
Loblaw Advance
Loblaw Advance is strengthening its partnership with STRATACACHE, expanding its in-store digital screen network across Loblaw Companies stores. Announced during Advertising Week in New York, STRATACACHE will invest in building and connecting digital screens to operate within the Loblaw Advance retail media network.
Loblaw's retail environment currently includes nearly 2,000 screens at more than 700 locations. Screens will continue to be introduced to hundreds of new stores this autumn, with the network expanding further throughout the next year.
"With STRATACACHE's reputation for industry leading technology and reliability, this investment will add significant scale to our in-store media offering," says Lauren Steinberg, EVP & Chief Digital Officer at Loblaw.
"In-store advertising is a vital part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. By engaging consumers at the point of purchase, these newly placed screens will enhance the shopping experience and complement our existing in-store audio and promotional display offerings."
Eurocommercial
Eurocommercial, a property investor/owner with a portfolio of 24 shopping centres across Italy, France, Belgium and Sweden, has partnered with Kinexio to implement and tailor a new AI powered platform for collecting sales data.
It is doing so as part of the ECP Connect, first across its portfolio in Italy, with a view to expanding it across Europee. The current adoption comprises eight prime shopping centres including Carosello and Fiordaliso, retail destinations in Milan, Collestrada in Perugia and I Gigli in Tuscany.
The portal will enable Eurocommercial to collect daily sales data in real-time from multiple sources across more than 750 units at eight assets, as well as estimate any missing sales data using historical trends.
The aim here is to increase efficiency and accuracy in sales collection, while also saving tenants time in declaring figures through the multi-store functionality. It will help build stronger tenant relationships and help Eurocommercial to acquire the information needed to facilitate accurate benchmarking across properties, zones, and brand categories, thereby supporting more informed leasing strategies.
The platform has rolled out across the eight assets from June, and it is planned to be implemented in France and Belgium by the end of the year.
Noli
L'Oréal backed AI driven beauty shopping platform, Noli, has selected Akeneo’s product information management (PIM) solution to power its hyper-personalised product recommendation model.
Noli unlocks the best skin and haircare routines for each customer from a library of over 200,000 combinations.
Using an expert designed quiz, drawing on insights from top dermatologists and scientists, alongside face scan technology, it creates an individual BeautyDNA profile for each shopper. It then curates a personalised routine tailored to each customer’s specific skincare concerns and goals.
This collaboration will also bring together delivery, advisory, and industry experience from Accenture with the Akeneo technology. Accenture has been working with L’Oréal on Noli since its inception.
Asda
This has involved the separation of more than 2,500 systems from former owner Walmart, with the aim of laying the technological foundations for the UK grocery giant’s future growth.
In a LinkedIn post, Mike Gledhill, Head of Delivery - Commercial, Supply & George Clothing, said: "Last week we hit a huge milestone on our Future Programme. We converted our third and final George Depot, which just so happened to be the final conversion of the entire programme. Not only that, but we did it in style…"
Asda converted all three depots in five weeks, with only three weeks to learn from the first before converting the second.
"I couldn’t be prouder of how quickly all teams involved were able to react, learn and fix for the second and third depots. The effort given by everyone has been second to none, and it’s been amazing to see everyone’s commitment to getting us over the line," said Gledhill.
"To reach completion has taken a mega effort from everyone involved and now our focus turns to making sure all three remain stable and are prepped for peak in Q4."
"On a more personal note, the Future Programme has been one hell of a ride. I was lucky enough to start the journey in retail, moving into George clothing and more latterly global sourcing, supply and logistics."
He concluded: "It’s safe to say I’ve learnt more about Asda (and myself) in the last two years than I did over the previous 16. What’s next? We’ve got a few loose ends to tie up before we fully close the programme and a big Q4 ahead… and then it’s all systems go into 2026."
M&S
Last week, RELEX Solutions celebrated a milestone with a UK high street giant.
Its technology is now fully live across M&S Food. This was implemented together with Accenture, marking the largest RELEX implementation to date.
In a LinkedIn post, the company said: "The London office was buzzing as RELEXians and the M&S Food team came together to mark the occasion. A highlight of the evening was hearing from Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food, on what this transformation means for M&S customers.”
“It was a fantastic moment to reflect on the teamwork and dedication behind this journey - and even Percy Pig joined the celebrations. We’re excited for what’s ahead as this transformation delivers lasting value."
Tesco
Peter Filcek, Marketplace Director at Tesco, said at the time: “We knew that we wanted to open up access to a wider range of products for Tesco customers; we could see customers were searching for products that we didn't sell, and that we could be front of mind for.”
“It became clear that exploring this advanced technology for industry partnerships would be advantageous for the customer experience and ensure a seamless integration experience for our seller partners.”
“In a dynamic shift change, this marketplace model allows us to take a more holistic approach to customers’ household needs and give us a competitive edge.”
“We’ve benefitted from the Marketplacer team’s deep e-commerce expertise and understanding of our business in navigating some common scaling challenges to stay on the right track”
“Our secure and scalable marketplace proposition now looks set to attract additional sellers, therefore streamlining that onboarding process is critical for us to grow and scale.”
Just 15 months later, however, Tesco is ditching Marketplacer and switching to Mirakl (which works with the likes of B&Q and Superdrug).
The new partnership is set to launch in the next few weeks.
A Tesco spokesperson said: "To support our long-term growth plans for Marketplace, we're migrating to a new platform that will enhance the seller experience and provide an event better experience for our customers."
City Beach
Australian fashion and lifestyle brand City Beach is partnering with Teamwork Commerce as it aims to deliver a seamless, next-generation omnichannel experience across all stores.
It is deploying Teamwork Commerce’s mobile PoS and order management system (OMS) solutions.
City Beach will implement the OMS technology to enable key omnichannel capabilities such as buy online, return in-store (BORIS) and endless aisle. The mPoS offering, meanwhile, will enable associates to assist customers anywhere on the floor with instant access to inventory, customer profiles, and mobile checkout capabilities.
Rhian Greenway, Chief Information Officer, City Beach, says: “Our customers live fast paced, connected lives - and they expect the same from us. With Teamwork Commerce, we’re not just upgrading tech - we’re transforming how we serve every shopper, in every store, every day.”
"We see this decision as a key milestone in our broader growth strategy, particularly as we expand into new territories and strengthen our e-commerce presence. The flexibility and scalability of the Teamwork platform make it the ideal solution to meet the evolving demands of modern retail. It gives us the ability to adapt quickly, personalise experiences and equip our store teams with the tools they need to thrive.”
Ben Sherman
Remarkable reports go live of a project with Ben Sherman.
Its US website migrated to BigCommerce earlier in the year, as part of a wider group technology strategy, but immediately faced limitations in flexibility and scalability.
Ben Sherman chose Remarkable Commerce as its new e-commerce platform partner, matching and aligning on platform technology for all four of its sites (UK, DE, EU and now the US storefront).
The removal of platform restrictions and unlocking of faster performance, has enabled greater flexibility. The project was a six-week relaunch, and has given scalable growth through enhanced content, promotions, and catalogue control.
With key integrations for data, checkout, and order management, the move unifies its global e-commerce stack and sets the brand up for improved customer experiences and long-term success.
Remarkable Commerce partnered with Retail247 and its Origin PIM solution, MNP Solutions for order facilitation and Torque/Global-E for operations.
Currys Ireland
Currys Ireland has announced the launch of two initiatives that aim to enhance the customer experience across stores.
A new Store Mode function means its teams are now equipped with tablets.
In a LinkedIn post, Keith Daly, Country Manager at Currys Ireland, said: "Store Mode brings all the benefits of our website to our shopfloor - maximum product choice, the ability to easily compare products, access to best of offers - with the added bonus of an in-person expert guide from our store team to answer any questions immediately. You can also add a product to your account online and pop in-store and we can finish the sale or change the product to better suit your needs."
The retailer has also rolled out electronic shelf edge labels across all Irish stores, replacing traditional paper price tags with dynamic digital displays. The new system delivers real-time pricing and clearer product information It also removes the burden of manual labelling, saving significant paper, and giving teams more time to help customers.
Northfork and Schweid and Sons
Northfork has announced a partnership with Schweid and Sons, an American purveyor of ground beef.
Northfork will serve as Schweid & Sons’ recipe shopping provider, making all recipes on its website shoppable and driving traffic directly to retailers such as Kroger and Instacart.
Schweid & Sons will now allow users to explore all of their recipes online and add all the ingredients directly to their shopping cart.
Northfork provides shoppable links that could be used on social media and links to Schweid & Sons’ recipes, allowing customers to instantly add all ingredients to their shopping cart and complete their purchase with a pre-populated cart. Customers can then either check out at Kroger or Instacart.
Northfork sees this deal as its entry into the CPG space, having spent the past few years focusing on onsite recipe shopping solutions for retailers.
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