Summer ‘25 Edition debuts Horizon, Shopify’s AI powered store design foundation, alongside PoS enhancements

Shopify has unveiled its Summer '25 Edition, Horizons, the seventh showcase of its latest products and innovations.

This encompasses more than 150 product highlights across UX, Point of Sale (PoS), payments and AI (Sidekick), along with its centrepiece, the introduction of a new store design foundation, Horizon.

“In today’s climate where markets are becoming even more dynamic as a result of consumers' preferences, technologies and regulations constantly shifting, innovation in commerce is vital,” says Deann Evans, Managing Director, EMEA, at Shopify.

“To stay ahead and drive loyalty and sales, merchants need the right tools to be able to respond quickly and pivot if needed. Every edition lays the foundations to make Shopify even better for merchants and developers. This time, our brand new Horizons theme, built with and on AI, is just part of the over 150 product highlights we’re showcasing this time so merchants big or small who rely on us can work smarter, not harder.”

Ben Attwood, founder of Clubhouse Skin, says: “One of the key steps to starting a business is testing the market by launching a minimum viable product. Because my product was so brand led, I felt the need to invest in a web designer early, which is a significant cost. If I had Horizon available at the time, I believe I could have launched my MVP without the need for external support. Saving me £5,000-7,000 which could’ve been invested into the business elsewhere.”

Klavs Steenhof, Head of Digital at INTERSPORT Group, says: "We're just beginning to scratch the surface with Sidekick. In our initial trial, it proved remarkably effective at inventory management - identifying the exact restocking priorities our purchasing team would have chosen. I'm excited to discover what else this tool can do for us. The businesses that will thrive are those embracing AI across their operations, and Shopify enabling this so seamlessly means we can focus on what matters most: growing our business."

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 Wednesday, 3rd September.

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, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

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