Swedish retailer ICA Gruppen brings digital and technology employees together for timely one day event

Last week, all employees within the Digital & Technology function at ICA Gruppen, a Swedish retailer franchise with a focus on food and health, gathered for an event looking at digitalisation challenges and successes.

In a LinkedIn post, Oskar Jakobsson, Director Customer Solutions, said: "It was fantastic to welcome nearly 700 people; the line was long when we opened the doors, and the cheers in the hall when the speakers took to the stage were like a rock concert."

The programme consisted of three blocks:

The ICA Model, the company's retailers and stores. "We heard from three retailers about their daily challenges and how digitalisation has impacted and will continue to impact them," Jakobsson said. "Myself and the management team discussed how our different areas support the stores in various ways."

This included successful collaboration and cross-functional examples across different teams.

Also addressed were major topics such as security and how an uncertain world affects ICA now and in the future. "We also shared inspiration about what we are doing within ICA's private label (EMV). Of course, there was a session on AI, and then Malin Wretman (Director, Employee Experience & Corporate Solutions, ICA Sverige) and I also talked about NRF 2025 and SXS.”

“Thank you to all employees for the warm welcome when I took the stage. This is something everyone should have the privilege to experience."

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

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, 3rd July.

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.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 23rd May: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 27th May: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 28th May - Friday, 13th June: Judging days

Thursday, 3rd July: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.