Visualsoft takes wraps off VS Labs innovation studio that builds Shopify apps and in-store technology

Unified commerce specialist,  Visualsoft, has launched VS Labs, a new product and innovation studio focused on building Shopify apps and in-store technology that connect online and physical retail experiences.

To mark the launch, it is inviting a UK-based independent retailer across any sector to take part in a unified retail programme. The selected brand will act as a live test environment for new tools and in-store innovation, working with the VS Labs team to shape how products are developed and deployed in real retail settings.

In return, they will receive a fully supported package of Shopify apps, in-store technology and hardware designed to strengthen both e-commerce and PoS operations. The initiative is designed to move beyond theory and test what works in practice, with a focus on solving everyday retail challenges.

Chris Fletcher, CEO at Visualsoft, says: “For decades we’ve helped retailers run better day to day, and VS Labs is a natural extension of that, building the tech that supports it. It gives us a way to turn what we’ve learned into products, and move faster on what retailers need to grow across online and in-store.”

The selected retailer will gain access to a suite of VS Labs apps, including Wysh for cross-channel wishlists, Blueprint for product configuration, QuiQR for QR-driven engagement, Impulse for upsell triggers across PoS and online, and Broadcast for managing digital signage through Shopify.

They will be supported with in-store infrastructure including Shopify Hub and PoS terminals, scanners and printers, customer facing tablets, digital signage, electronic pricing labels and AI powered footfall tracking. Additional technology such as digital wallet integration and RFID stock tools will also be deployed to support store operations and customer experience.

Beyond access to tools, the retailer will play an active role in shaping product development, providing real-world feedback and influencing future features. The programme is aimed at brands willing to collaborate closely and explore how unified retail can be delivered in practice.

Liam Quinn, Director of Innovation at Visualsoft, says: “A lot of retail tech is still built at a distance from the shop floor, but VS Labs is looking to change that. By collaborating with UK merchants, and testing everything in live environments, we’re able to ship products that make a real difference to the retail experience and the bottom line, both online and in-store. Now we want to take that further with a retailer who wants to be part of what comes next.”

VS Labs has launched a suite of Shopify apps, now available on the Shopify App Store, and is building on Visualsoft’s existing work supporting unified retail across e-commerce and PoS environments. Its tools are already used by thousands of retailers, including established high street and international brands such as SportsShoes.com.

The opportunity is open to UK-based retailers with an existing Shopify store and a recently opened or upcoming physical retail space. They must be using, or planning to use, Shopify PoS and be willing to act as a live test environment for new technology.

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Omnichannel retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

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 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.