Selfridges exec Christian Tønnesen welcomes Oxford Street pedestrianisation plans

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, recently announced progress with plans to pedestrianise Oxford Street in London.

"We want to rejuvenate Oxford Street; establish it as a global leader for shopping, leisure and outdoor events with a world class, accessible, pedestrianised avenue. This will help to attract more international visitors, and act as a magnet for new investment and job creation, driving growth and economic prosperity for decades to come," he commented.

It's a move that has been welcomed by Group Sustainability Director Christian Tønnesen at Selfridges, one of the best known retailers on Oxford Street.

In a LinkedIn, he said: "I’m giddy with excitement that Oxford Street will be pedestrianised and believe it should have happened decades ago. Sadiq Khan phas resented the results from a 6,642 strong public consultation, with two thirds of respondents in favour of pedestrianisation. Obviously, he chose the rooftop of Selfridges, the world’s greatest shop, for the announcement."

He aded: "Now, imagine what London could do with this space. I’d like more trees, swifts and birdsong. And at least three pocket parks. Go big (and green) or go home. My walking and working relationship with Oxford Street goes back to 1998 when, every day, I’d save the tube fare and walk from ‘home’ in Lancaster Gate (it had a certain Dickensian quality to it) to Bond Street, selling suits at Beale & Inman. It should have been a breath of fresh air - in the future, it will be."

Major business including @Selfridges, @IkeaUK and @JohnLewisRetail have welcomed @MayorofLondon’s proposals to transform Oxford Street so it can better attract new customers, investment and jobs.https://t.co/jJFERxDKwJ via @MetroUK

— Mayor's Press Office (@LDN_pressoffice) June 17, 2025

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical retail will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, 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.