Fashion rules as Vinted CEO Adam Jay once again bags top spot in RTS Retail Disruptors Report

Adam Jay, CEO at controversial fashion resale platform Vinted, has once again taken top spot in the Retail Disruptors & Innovators report, released today by Retail Technology Show.

This is an annual report championing progressive individuals from across the sector, who are driving seismic change across the retail landscape. 

Jay holds on to his number one position for the second year in a row, for continuing to grow Vinted’s pre-loved marketplace at pace while simultaneously putting second hand and circular retail models back at the forefront of fashion. 

He was followed by Carl Pei, Founder and CEO at Nothing, a challenger smartphone and tech brand that’s aiming to make tech and gadgets “fun again” in second place, while third place was shared by brothers and co-founding duo of performance sportswear brand, Castore.

Fashion performed strongly within the top ten disruptors, with high end DTC only fashion brand ME+EM’s Founder, Clare Hornby, coming in fourth, following expansion into the US and a first UK flagship store opened in London. 

Meanwhile, luxury streetwear Represent’s founders, George and Michael Heaton, landed in fifth and Joe Wilkinson, Founder of Mile, an invite only, membership subscription service for luxury fashion purveying ‘unsold’ stock from brands including Missoni, took ninth spot, having made the top 30 in the 2024 Retail Disruptor’s Report.  

Also within the top ten were brands making big waves on social commerce channels.  Founder of cosmetic brand P. Louise, Paige Williams, came in at eight, after record breaking success on TikTok Shop, which saw the beauty brand generate over £1.5 million in sales during a 12-hour live shopping event on the platform. 

Another beauty brand, REFY, best known for its Brow Sculpt product, saw its Co-founders Jenna Meek and Jess Hunt take sixth place, after continued social success and a recent tie-up with Sephora catapulted them into the US market.

Matt Bradley, Event Director at Retail Technology Show, says: “Whether it’s blending innovation with compelling retail offers, bringing new, greener ways for shoppers to consume goods, or optimising operating models and channel mix, the top ten disruptors are showcasing the art of the possible and shaking up the status quo of the sector.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards. which will open for entries in March, 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.