Retail a people business as AI innovation and immersive experiences dominate headlines

Retail is shifting fast. But amidst an onslaught of technology innovation, immersive experiences, store closures and retailer reinventions, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed: the human core. So says Graham Broomfield, COO at Neve Jewels Group.

In a LinkedIn post dated Friday, 27th June, he said: "As we end this week in retail, I can’t help but reflect on what we’re seeing right now. Retail sales are down for the ninth month in a row. Big names are closing stores at a pace that once would have seemed unthinkable. River Island. New Look. Each closure is more than a headline, it’s jobs, teams, communities affected."

He added: "At the same time, brands like Selfridges are transforming spaces into members’ clubs. Superdrug is launching immersive beauty playgrounds. Some retailers are investing billions into AI powered security to tackle theft and protect staff. Everywhere you look, the message is clear: retail is shifting fast.”

There is one constant, however: the store manager making impossible rotas work to keep doors open; the retail consultant who shows up with energy and care even when footfall is down; the digital teams who keep platforms live through peak traffic; the buyers, merchandisers, operators, marketers, finance teams, and back-office heroes who hold the whole ecosystem together.

The past week has been a reminder that retail is so much more than stores or websites, Broomfield observed. It’s about people. Their resilience, creativity, and care.

"At Neve Jewels Group, we’re fortunate enough to be opening new stores, expanding into new markets, and recruiting across most departments as we expand, even in a challenging retail climate," he commented.

"We remain committed to celebrating life’s unique stories every day, through our jewellery and through our teams. If you’re looking for an opportunity to be part of a business that values people as much as performance, and you’re interested in having a conversation about what’s next for you, send me a message. Because in the end, retail isn’t just about what we sell. It’s about the people who make it possible."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores 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.