Kingfisher owned UK home improvement and garden retailer B&Q has gone live with Google AI Commerce Search on its online store.

In a LinkedIn post, Chris Swann, Digital Optimisation Lead at B&Q, said: "This brings Google’s latest AI powered technology to our onsite search experience."

He added: "We're leveraging Google’s expertise in search, AI and machine learning to understand language, customer intent and product relevance, combined with our customer behaviour data to determine the most relevant products for every search. Continually optimising, personalising and reducing the need for manual intervention."

On demand delivery

B&Q is ramping up its fast delivery push with the launch of TradePoint Express, a same-day delivery service exclusively for trade customers, in partnership with Gophr.

The retailer has also expanded its Deliveroo partnership to more than 100 stores nationwide following a trial. Customers can now access up to more than 9,000 home improvement products through Deliveroo, with orders delivered in as little as 35 minutes.

The partnership with Gophr will allow Business Development Managers to arrange deliveries, either within two hours or for a pre-booked two-hour slot same-day, for TradePoint members from B&Q's standalone TradePoint store in Barking and 123 participating B&Q stores across the UK. The service is set to expand to all TradePoint stores later this year.

The launch builds on the introduction of Marketplace Click & Collect. Customers can now choose from an expanding range of collection and delivery options designed to suit planned projects, urgent repairs and last minute requirements.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

AI and on demand delivery will be key focus areas at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world, have now closed for entries. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.

We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London. 

The event will be held on Wednesday, 4th November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.

Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.