LOOOK.AI and Kiehl’s launch smart mirror installations across the UK, UAE, Singapore and Malaysia
Kiehl’s is expanding its smart mirror retail programme across UK, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia and China, marking the next phase of an international strategy to embed interactive technology permanently into its store environments.
The roll-out started in New York, where Kiehl’s partnered with spatial technology company LOOOK.AI to launch its first augmented reality storefront. Installations have since gone live at Westfield London (Ariel Way), Dubai Festival City in Dubai, and Singapore, Malaysia and China have been confirmed as the next markets for this initiative.
As shoppers approach, the display activates, using motion sensing and augmented visuals to pull them in. A facial scanning feature puts each visitor at the centre of the experience, turning what would otherwise be a static display into a personalised introduction to Kiehl’s skincare world. It is less about spectacle and more about creating a natural, low friction moment of discovery, the retailer says.
The installations are built as permanent retail infrastructure, intended to grow and evolve as the programme expands into further markets.
"The Kiehl's roll-out and the long-term results we have seen across markets make one thing clear: smart mirrors are not a gimmick. They are becoming the new standard for consumer engagement in retail. We recently ran an A/B test comparing video content with interactive experiences, and the gap was stark. Shoppers stopped engaging with video after around two seconds. With interactive mirrors, average engagement ran between seven and ten seconds. Static, depersonalised formats have had their moment. The shift to a new standard is already underway," says Dmytro Kornilov, CEO at FFFACE.ME.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Augmented reality 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.
