Dunelm thinks about the future as retailer holds event including AI workshops and virtual store tours
To kick off its new financial year, Dunelm last week brought together its full leadership team from across the business, including its 200+ Store Coaches, for an event focusing on recognition, connection and future planning.
In a LinkedIn post, Clodagh Moriarty, CEO at Dunelm, a UK retailer of bedding, curtains and soft furnishings, plus kitchen equipment and home goods, said: "Under the theme of ‘Winning Hearts & Homes’, we focused on the huge opportunity we have to play an even bigger role for our customers and the energy in the room was something else."
"From customer panels, to virtual store tours, digital demos, AI workshops (everyone left, having built their own bot!!), to a sneak peek of the Autumn/Winter collection (more to come...) it was like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory for homewares. Thanks a million to all our leaders for showing such energy and enthusiasm for the future."
Clodagh Moriarty
Last year, Dunelm Group announced the appointment of Clodagh Moriarty as Chief Executive Officer.
She succeeded Nick Wilkinson who had informed the board of his intention to retire from Dunelm and full-time executive life, following seven years in the role.
Moriarty was previouly the Chief Retail and Technology Officer at Sainsbury's. As a member of the operating board, she held responsibility for all stores and their operations, alongside Sainsbury's digital offer and strategy, customer experience and end to end technology platforms.
She had been with the business for 15 years, holding a variety of leadership roles, having previously worked for nine years at Bain & Company.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
AI 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.
