RTIH AI in Retail Awards Digital Transformation Project of the Year category finalists

We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Digital Transformation Project of the Year category.

This award celebrates those who are at the forefront of digital transformation in the retail space, achieved through the deployment of innovative AI technologies.

Our judges will be looking for a company that has tapped AI to deliver a significant transformation project for a customer, such as integrating disparate systems, updating legacy technology, empowering the client to create seamless and personalised shopping experiences, and unlocking new possibilities to grow the business.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process. We received a huge number of impressive entries highlighting 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.

It’s now over to our judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, taking place  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, presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Lucy Porter.

To book your place at the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, click here.

Our 2025 runners and riders as follows:

Ai4.Style

Ai4.Style has launched a personalised black eyewear recommendation system using AI4.Style, in collaboration with designer Robert Roope, whose frames are worn by the likes of Pedro Pascal and Lady Gaga.

The system captures his expert judgement to deliver tailored recommendations based on facial features and personal preferences. The recommendations are supported with GenAI powered try-on images, allowing customers to instantly see how frames suit them, and share to get a second opinion.

This reduces returns, boosts confidence to buy. AI4.Style redefines personalisation at scale, helping customers feel seen while enabling Roope to monetise his knowledge.

Goddiva

Goddiva has undergone a landmark digital transformation through the creation of Goddiva AI: a next-generation shopping assistant powered by OpenAI GPT-5 and LangChain.

This project unified previously separate retail systems, customer data, and communication channels into a single, AI driven ecosystem. The result is an intelligent, conversational platform that delivers hyper-personalised shopping journeys, streamlines operations, and drives measurable growth.

By combining real-time insights, automation, and natural language interaction, Goddiva AI has transformed the company from a traditional e-commerce brand into an agile, data first fashion retailer. This initiative sets a new standard for scalable, AI powered retail transformation.

LatentView Analytics

LatentView Analytics executed a core digital transformation project for a global retailer, fundamentally overhauling its legacy approach to vendor negotiations and margin management.

The project centred on deploying an AI driven AGM tool (aggregate gross margin) built on Time Series and Storyline Models. This solution replaced fragmented, non-comparative processes with a unified, self-service digital platform.

The transformation provided users with comparative forecasts and a clear negotiation range, resulting in a significant increase in client operating margins, recorded at close to 2%. This AI powered shift enabled stronger profitability and empowers clients to drive better outcomes.

LEAFIO AI and Baltic Petroleum

Baltic Petroleum transformed retail operations across 86 fuel stations by implementing LEAFIO AI Retail Platform combining Inventory Optimisation and Shelf Efficiency.

This centralised AI driven solution replaced manual ordering and merchandising processes, delivering unprecedented control, accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Key outcomes included a 50% reduction in overstock, 62% sales growth, 13% inventory turnover improvement, and a 1581% ROI within the first year. By automating replenishment, digitising planograms, and enabling detailed analytics, Baltic Petroleum reduced manual workloads, optimised shelf compliance, and enhanced customer service.

This digital transformation positions the company as an innovator in fuel retail, demonstrating measurable business value from AI adoption.

Movable Ink and Currys

Currys transformed its CRM programme by partnering with Movable Ink to integrate Da Vinci, an AI powered content decisioning engine.

This shift replaced a manual, calendar-based approach with intelligent, personalised email content optimised for each customer. Da Vinci scores every subscriber and available creative, delivering the best match at the right time - automating the workflow while increasing click-through, conversion, and revenue per send.

It helped Currys work smarter and faster, improve customer experience, and drive commercial growth, without any IT involvement. With Da Vinci, the retailer is delivering more impact from smaller, higher intent audiences, unlocking creative performance and reactivating less engaged customers at scale.

Scantranx

Scantranx is redefining digital transformation in retail through its AI powered omnichannel platform that unifies in-store and online operations.

The cloud-based solution replaces fragmented legacy systems by integrating PoS, e-commerce, inventory, payments, and analytics into one intelligent platform. Using machine learning for predictive insights, personalised recommendations, and automated workflows.

Scantranx enables retailers to make data driven decisions and deliver seamless customer experiences. The result is improved operational efficiency, enhanced customer engagement, and sustainable growth.

Designed for scalability, Scantranx empowers small and medium-sized retailers worldwide to embrace digital transformation with the same sophistication once reserved for enterprise brands.

VenHub Global

VenHub Global is revolutionising bricks and mortar retail with the fully autonomous Smart Store, designed for 24/7 operation, zero on-site staff, and maximum efficiency.

Its modular units combine AI, robotics, and robotics arms to eliminate labour costs, reduce shrinkage, and operate in high traffic or underserved areas where traditional retail fails. Four Initial deployments across California include a landmark store at LAX Airport/Metro Transit Center and one at the Hollywood Bowl.

VenHub is more than innovation - it’s a blueprint for the future of retail. By solving the biggest challenges facing physical retail, it enables a sustainable, scalable model that empowers entrepreneurs and redefines what’s possible in convenience commerce.

Zenline

Zenline AI empowers European retailers with AI agents for modern assortment optimisation. In a market shaped by global platforms and increasing margin pressure, Zenline helps build profitable, shopper centric assortments.

Its AI delivers automated, product level recommendations, from product launches and consolidation to the ongoing optimisation of existing items. By analysing internal margin and competitor data alongside social trends, Zenline identifies assortment gaps and suggests concrete pricing actions. The result: intelligent, competitive assortments aligned with what shoppers truly want.