Global search launched for the smartest store in the world driving a new era of digital transformation

Insight Research has announced the launch of its ‘The Smartest Store in the World’ competition. This global initiative invites fuel, convenience, quick service restaurant (QSR), and roadside hospitality retailers to showcase their most impactful technological innovations that are redefining the customer experience and operational excellence.

The competition is hosted by Insight Research and Global Convenience, with Accenture serving as the official Knowledge Partner. It is sponsored by Invenco.

The aim is to identify and celebrate retailers who are leveraging data, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies to drive measurable business value across the entire value chain - from predictive inventory and autonomous checkout to AI workforce planning and enhanced customer engagement.

“By searching for and then showcasing the ‘best of the best’, we believe we’re helping move the needle on industry development and driving meaningful progress,” says Dan Munford, CEO, Insight Research.

“This global showcase enhances industry learning by sharing and celebrating success and innovation. It’s an essential part of our mission to ensure the convenience sector continues to evolve smarter, faster, and more connected than ever before.”

The competition calls on senior executives and retail teams to submit case studies that demonstrate how their implemented solutions drive quantified value realization, are scalable, and show thoughtful innovation in strategic application.

Brian D. Gray, Managing Director at Accenture, comments: “The competition is a global celebration of retailers who are leading the charge in delivering more for their customers - more convenience, more personalisation, more seamless experiences - through bold innovation and intelligent transformation.”

“It plays an invaluable role in recognising those harnessing the power of AI, advanced analytics and other key technologies to reimagine the retail experience, ultimately setting new benchmarks for operational efficiency and customer centricity worldwide.”

“Technology is the engine of change in today’s retail landscape,” says Ryan Oettinger, Vice President and GM, Retail Technology Solutions, representing Invenco.

“We are proud to support an initiative that highlights real world innovation. Many of the most transformative solutions are built through close partnership, and we encourage our industry peers; suppliers across the ecosystem, to support their retail clients in submitting entries that showcase these collaborative achievements and their measurable impact.”

●      Entries are open until: 20th January 2026

●      Showcase begins: Late January 2026

●      Winner announced: 26th March 2026

The winner will be featured in a ‘Future of Convenience’ video production and will have the opportunity to showcase their success at leading industry retail events globally.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores 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.