Important step in Just Around The Corner's expansion strategy as store goes live at EY offices
Just Around The Corner has announced the launch of an autonomous store in conjunction with EY Portugal.
The company was launched by former Sensei executive Miguel Murta Cardoso with the aim of "simplifying your day by bringing the best of modern retail closer to you".
The Portugal-based startup specialises in autonomous mini-markets that are open 24/7 and situated in offices and condominiums, offering the likes of snacks, meals, milk and bread, frozen, fresh, drinks, hygiene and cleaning products.
In a LinkedIn post, Cardoso said: “The opening of this new store marks more than a point of convenience: it is an important step in our expansion strategy. With this opening, we prove that it is possible to scale the Corner model to new cities, and that our concept of autonomous and smart stores has the potential to go far beyond Lisbon... and even Portugal.”
He added: “We remain focused on making people's daily lives simpler and more practical, offering access to essential and healthy products, always just a few steps away. A special thank you to the EY team for their trust and for believing in our vision.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Autonomous retail was a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
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