Google Cloud inks Gap deal as retailer looks to build future technology roadmap around AI

Gap Inc 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.

“By redesigning our workflows and putting AI in the hands of every employee, we are freeing Gap Inc. teams to focus on creativity, culture, and customer connection while keeping the company’s human centred DNA at the core of innovation,” Gerjets adds.   

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced last week, 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 November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.