Retail technology innovation of the week: AI and QR code powered TalkPack solution goes live in UK

Retail Technology Innovation of the Week is a series brought to you by RTIH, and sponsored by 3D Cloud, highlighting stand out deployments, launches, and initiatives by retailers and tech suppliers.

Every week, we will showcase forward thinking tech plays that have impressed our Editor and the Retail Technology Innovations Report judging panel, alongside the publication of the 2025 report.

And this week we’re focusing on ShopAi which has launched TalkPack, pitched as the first QR code activated conversational AI platform engineered from the ground up for ASA compliance, addressing the need for regulated consumer engagement as UK HFSS restrictions eliminate traditional promotional channels from January 2026.

"Every HFSS brand in the UK faces the same problem in 47 days: their promotional channels vanish," says Ilann Hepworth, CEO and Founder at ShopAi.

"TV ads before 9pm? Banned. Paid online advertising? Banned. But product packaging and Point of Sale materials remain explicitly exempt. TalkPack transforms that exemption into competitive advantage - compliant consumer engagement that delivers conversation intelligence impossible to capture from scan tracking."

TalkPack applies digital marketing performance modeling to physical retail touchpoints - QR codes on packaging, PoS displays, print media, and in-store materials now deliver CPA (cost per acquisition) and CPC (cost per click) economics.

It is available immediately for UK market deployment. HFSS compliant implementations include: ASA aligned prompt architecture and conversation directives; Age verification workflows meeting under-16 content restrictions; Regulatory audit support and conversation logging; Ongoing compliance monitoring and updates.

International expansion is planned for Q2 2026 following EU Digital Product Passport regulation implementation. ShopAi says that the standard deployment timeline is four to six weeks from contract to live campaign.

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.

This is now open for entries. Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

Check out categories and entry forms here.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.