Catalyst Brands agrees Figure humanoid robotics partnership amid supply chain modernisation push
Humanoid robotics company Figure has signed a commercial agreement with Catalyst Brands, the operator of JCPenney, Aéropostale, and Brooks Brothers.
The initial phase involves Catalyst Brands’ Reno, Nevada distribution logistics centre.
The pair aim to automate repetitive, physically demanding sorting and packing tasks, freeing associates to focus on higher skill functions. Figure’s humanoids will first focus on aiding associates in the facility’s Joey Pouch sorting system sequencing, a computerised induction, sorting and packing system.
“As we invest in and scale our portfolio, this collaboration with Figure shows how emerging technologies can modernise our operations while strengthening our workforce,” says Marc Rosen, CEO at Catalyst Brands. “When we automate routine tasks, our associates can focus on higher value work and better serve our customers across all our brands.”
“Catalyst Brands poses a unique opportunity for Figure to partner with a company in an ambitious expansion phase,” says Brett Adcock, Founder and CEO at Figure. “As Catalyst Brands scales its multi-brand portfolio, our humanoids provide a standardised labour solution that can be deployed across diverse industries instantly. This collaboration establishes the playbook for how AI driven hardware can serve as a primary growth engine for modern holding companies.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Supply chain automation 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.
