Currys launches WelcoMe inclusive customer service platform across Ireland stores following London, Birmingham pilot

Currys has partnered with WelcoMe, an inclusive platform that allows customers with additional needs to pre-book a personalised shopping experience in its stores.

Customers create a profile on the WelcoMe website or app, detailing their access and communication requirements (e.g., mobility support, preferred communication styles, sensory considerations) alongside what they're looking to purchase or research. They can then schedule their visit, ensuring businesses are prepared to meet their individual needs before they arrive.

When a visit is booked, store colleagues receive a heads-up along with short training videos and guidance specific to that visitor and also training and tips to support disability awareness amongst staff for all customers.

After a pilot in Currys’ London and Birmingham stores, the service has now launched in locations across Ireland.

“Everyone deserves a comfortable and supportive shopping experience,” says Jaimie Cantwell, Head of Brand & Marketing at Currys Ireland. “This partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion for all customers.”

WelcoMe Founder, Gavin Neate, says: “Currys is an ideal partner to encourage the engagement of people with additional needs. The staff we have worked with so far could not have been more excited to test out our platform and their excitement around its potential to support customers and staff alike has been truly inspiring.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Inclusive 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.