Rich Spears returns to Lidl GB to become Senior Consultant in Store Design & Store Equipment team
Rich Spears has rejoined Lidl GB as an interim Senior Consultant in the Store Design & Store Equipment team. Spears previously worked for the retailer for 17 years, leaving in 2025. At that time, he served as Operations & PoS Team Manager (Deputy Head of Marketing/Operations).
In a LinkedIn post, he said: "It’s a pleasure to be back - I’m looking forward to delivering on the challenging objectives I’ve been set, including those relating to exciting transformations across the estate."
"I’ve also been very humbled by the positive responses regarding my return - thanks so much to all involved. Beyond this, thanks to all those in my network that continued to check in with me while I was reviewing options in recent months - my appreciation runs deep."
Lidl & Go
Lidl GB is expanding its Lidl & Go self-scanning trial to 37 additional stores across the UK, following positive customer feedback from an initial seven store pilot. This will see the feature become available to shoppers across Scotland, the South East and the wider South of England throughout July.
Integrated within the Lidl Plus app, Lidl & Go allows customers to scan products as they shop, track their spending and savings in real-time, and complete their purchase more seamlessly at checkout. The feature is available directly through customers' own smartphones, with no requirement for dedicated in-store scanning devices. Feedback from the initial trial has shown particular appeal among customers shopping with children and those looking for greater flexibility during their shop.
Louise Weise, Chief Customer Officer, at Lidl GB, says: “The early response from the initial phase of Lidl & Go has been really encouraging. Customers are telling us they value the control and visibility it gives them over their spend, and the flexibility to shop at their own pace. This next wave of stores brings the feature to many more customers, and we’ll continue to take on board feedback to evolve the offering as we go.”
The initiative forms part of Lidl GB's increased investment in digital innovation that also includes personalised coupons on the Lidl Plus app, alongside the introduction of Lidl Points in May which aims to provide a flexible rewards system.
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Physical 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.
