RTIH AI in Retail Awards Inclusive Technology finalists include Ikea, Tahina, and Brarista

We’re pleased to announce the shortlist for the RTIH AI in Retail Awards Inclusive Technology Innovation category.

This category will showcase what is being delivered in the inclusive shopping space, and shine a light on what is a huge, untapped retail customer/service market that suppliers and retailers are now really leaning in to and embracing more fully.

This award will go to a retailer or brand that has tapped AI technology to put inclusion at the core of its values. The winning entry will show how a company has boosted its inclusive credentials whilst also demonstrating the tangible business benefits involved.

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 runners and riders:

Brarista

90% of consumers struggle with bra shopping. Sizing varies wildly across brands - a 34D in one label fits completely differently in another. Terms like sister sizing, cup projection, and band tension mean nothing to most shoppers. Beyond fit, they want bras that suit their shape and silhouette, but without expert guidance, they're left guessing.

Fit queries are the number one type of customer service enquiry retailers receive. Support teams drown in repetitive questions: "What size am I?" "Will this suit my shape?" "Why doesn't this fit like my last one?"

Brarista's retail partners faced this daily: rising returns, overwhelmed teams, declining confidence. Generic chatbots and static sizing charts or fit tools built for the clothing businesses offered no relief - they lack the specialist knowledge lingerie demands. The industry was waiting for a purpose built solution.

Ikea

Ikea wants to create a better everyday life for people. It decided years ago to build digital accessibility and inclusion into the way it designs.  

The goal was simple: ensure people can shop with the retailer independently, without barriers of ability and language. In June 2025, it launched an AI tool for alt-text (alternative texts/alt texts are written descriptions of images that can be read by screen reader software for blind and low vision users).

This AI product for improving accessibility creates descriptions for over 400,000 images in 27 languages, guided by the needs of blind and low vision people.

Tahina

Tahina’s AI driven features, such as voice activated assistance and personalised settings, break down barriers that have long kept many customers on the sidelines. This forward thinking design is generating genuine interest among future users and industry partners alike, who recognise the power of retail without limits.

What drives this success is its close collaboration with diverse communities. By co-creating with those who understand accessibility firsthand, it is building solutions that aren’t just clever, they’re meaningful. Customers will enjoy a seamless, intuitive journey whether shopping in-store or online, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds.

Tahina is demonstrating that inclusive retail isn’t just possible - it’s essential. By putting accessibility at the heart of everything, it is not only broadening who can engage with retail but also setting a new industry benchmark. This shift promises richer customer connections, increased loyalty, and a stronger, more ethical business foundation for years to come.

WeCarryBags

WeCarryBags enhances retail convenience through technology that eliminates the burden of carrying shopping bags. Its proprietary single QR code system seamlessly connects customers, retailers, and delivery services via an intuitive mobile platform.

Founded by UK graduates who transformed personal adversity into innovation, it has expanded from solving local challenges to operating internationally across the UK, South Korea, India, and UAE. Its technology supports bricks and mortar retailers while enhancing customer experience through hassle free shopping and delivery.

The company is currently developing AI powered personalisation and launching global personal shopping services.