Slip founder Tash Grossman talks pet retail industry hates including store myths and Gen Z fails

Tash Goodman, CEO and Founder at receipts specialist Slip, has taken to social media to flag up three things she hates about the retail industry right now. And we at RTIH are totally with her on all of them.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: “These are things I talk about so regularly that my team are sick of it hearing it.. Firstly, the myth that physical shopping is dead. In-store experiences matter more than ever. Shopping is an event now, people want to touch, feel, and try before they buy.”

She added: “It feels like the Athleisure category gets it, with brands like Gymshark and TALA shifting from URL to IRL. Their stores are built for experience, not just transactions and they’re expanding fast because of it.”

Secondly, there is a lack of urgency to innovate for Gen-Z.

“Gen-Z aren’t just the future; they’re shaping retail today. It just takes one viral TikTok and they’re queueing down the street, turning a brand into a cultural hotspot overnight. Marks and Spencer have benefited from this countless times (Celine dupeeeee), as did Primark with the pink fluffy jumpers. But are physical stores adapting to meet these shoppers where they are?” Grossman said.

And last but not least, ‘one-size-fits-all’ store formats. “Shoppers in London aren’t the same as shoppers in Manchester,” Grossman commented.

“Cities have different cultures, needs, and rhythms. Great retail isn’t copy paste, it’s about localisation and making every store feel like it was built just for that audience.”

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.