The Perfume Shop IT Director Andy Saw talks tech innovation as he celebrates career milestone
Congratulations to Andy Saw who has hit 15 years at The Perfume Shop, a UK retailer founded in 1992 and owned by A.S. Watson.
In a LinkedIn post, the IT Director said: “That feels a bit crazy to write, it has literally flown by! Looking back, it is not just the projects, systems, stores, websites, launches or all the change that stands out. It is the people. That is what makes us special. Our culture, our people, and the fact that so many people genuinely care about what they do. I have been so lucky to work with so many brilliant people over the years, and that is what has made it such a great place to be part of.”
He added: “A huge part of what I am most proud of is the systems team we have built. I have been so lucky to have worked with so many amazing people in systems over the years. People who care, take ownership, look after each other, and just get stuff done. A lot of what they do happens quietly in the background, but the impact is everywhere - in our stores, online, in our support centre, and across the wider business. I am so proud of the team, the standards they set, and the difference they make every day.”
Technology has changed a lot over the last 15 years, but the last three years have been something else, Saw observed.
“With AI and the pace of innovation, it feels like tech has moved faster in the last three years than it did in the previous 12. That has meant my role has never really stood still. It keeps changing, challenging me, stretching me and giving me new things to learn. Even after 15 years, I am still learning every day, and I love that,” he said.
“I also want to say a big thank you to A.S. Watson. Being part of a group with that scale, ambition, support and belief in technology has helped make so much of this possible. I am really proud of what we have achieved, the team we have built, and the part technology continues to play in moving us forward. Excited for what comes next, and for everything we still have to build together.”
Loyalty programme
The Perfume Shop has revamped its loyalty programme. Relaunched as The Perfume Club, the new offering will include points earned on purchases that can be redeemed on future perfume buys and weekly rotating perks such as brand offers, competitions, and special promotions. Customers will also be offered early access to launches, promotions, and in-store events.
Thea Wilson, Head of Customer at The Perfume Shop, says: “Over the past 14 years our loyalty programme has grown to include a breadth of benefits for our perfume fans. But customer expectations have changed. People want simplicity, clear value, and rewards that feel worth it every time they shop. The Perfume Club is designed to do exactly that. We have listened closely to our customers and focused on what matters most to them, especially member pricing and exclusive access. This next chapter is about making our community feel part of something special while giving them more reasons to shop their favourite perfumes with us.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Loyalty programmes 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.
