Currys lays claim to global world first with in-store Meta AI Ray-Ban and Oakley eyewear launch

Currys has partnered with Meta on what is claimed to be a global first in retail, the roll-out of a new table fixture for the company’s next generation AI Ray-Ban and Oakley eyewear.

In a LinkedIn post, Dan Rubel, Brand & Marketing Director at Currys, said: “This global first for retail landed not in London, Paris or New York - but far more fabulously, it launched in Luton this week (rolling out to more than 60 stores as we speak).”

He added: “This is indicative our ethic, where we do not focus on small scale headline grabbing flagship fixtures in niche glamorous locations... but rather... we focus on creating fixture roll-outs to a scaled number of stores up and down the country, enabling a mass of people to see, feel and try and the latest exciting tech.”

Rubel concluded: “Our work in this area is all the more important for tech like Meta's AI glasses. You have to physically try them to really fully grasp why they're so good. For example, pureplay retailers can of course explain and even show videos that bring to life in the in lens visuals (in the Meta Ray-Ban display glasses) .... but seeing that kind of content is a million miles away from the impact of actually putting the glasses on and seeing them in action on your own eyeball.”

“A big well done to Paul Colairo in Ainsley Sykes' In-store Innovation team - and to the fab crew at Meta including Ben Seymour, Kristina Samuilaite and Gary Moreline. Also thanks to our own category squad including Matt Newman and Laura Comfort who own the wider GTM plan into which this fits, and without whose brilliant collaboration fixture builds like this simply wouldn't happen.”

“And thanks (in advance) to Matthew Speight's expert colleagues up and down the country, who will use this fixture to better engage and inspire our customers via brilliant demos and "see it, feel it, try it" experiences.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

In-store experiences will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now closed for entries with our finalists and shortlists being announced this week, 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.