Retail technology innovation of the week: Currys taps AI for colleague led ideas platform, the Pitch

Retail Technology Innovation of the Week is a series brought to you by RTIH, and sponsored by 3D Cloud, highlighting stand out deployments, launches, and initiatives by retailers and tech suppliers.

Every week, we will showcase forward thinking tech plays that have impressed our Editor and the Retail Technology Innovations Report judging panel, alongside the publication of the 2025 report.

And this week we’re focusing on Currys which has launched a new colleague led ideas platform, the Pitch, powered by AI.

Since its launch across the retailer's supply chain and services teams, over 450 ideas have been submitted. More than 100 of these are already in progress with 41% delivering measurable results, saving over 3,000 hours and unlocking six-figure cost efficiencies. Colleague engagement is strong too, with adoption rates tracking 3% above the market average.

As a result, Currys has set plans to expand the platform, which is fully embedded in Microsoft Teams, to an additional 9,000 colleagues, bringing the total number of users to 14,000 by the end of this financial year. The investment spans stores, support functions, digital operations, contact centres and extends to Currys’ third-party partner, Concentrix.

The system is powered by AI, which streamlines the ideas by automatically grouping similar suggestions and surfacing trends. This approach helps teams save time, spot patterns faster and collect the best ideas from the outset.

Built on Sideways 6’s Microsoft integrated platform, the Pitch aims to make it easy for colleagues to suggest improvements, flag inefficiencies and solve everyday problems.

“We’re very pleased with the early results. Our colleagues are our greatest asset; close to our customers, they are full of ideas, insights and practical suggestions. We’ve always believed in the value of colleague ideas but struggled to consistently capture, assess, action and track them. This is where ‘the Pitch’ has been a game changer for us. I’m excited to see it roll-out and to watch the difference it makes for our colleagues, our customers and our bottom line," says Lindsay Haselhurst, Chief Operating Officer at Currys

“This is a great example of cost optimisation done right. Currys has built a culture where people on the ground drive real value and feel a part of the company’s most important aims. The fact that they’re seeing results this fast is a credit to their leadership and their people," says Will Read, Founder at Sideways 6.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

AI 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.