Primark teams with 3D mapping specialist Apollo3D on virtual scans as part of LED lighting upgrade

Primark has partnered with 3D mapping specialist Apollo3D to create virtual scans of more than 350 stores in the UK and Europe as part of an LED lighting upgrade.

Yorkshire-based Apollo3D says the collaboration will deliver “substantial financial and operational benefits” to the value retailer by decreasing the need for on-site visits and enabling faster project roll-outs.

The partnership is part of wider plans to upgrade lighting in Primark stores to more energy efficient LED systems but has since been used in other store projects.

Apollo3D has provided detailed digital twins, or immersive 3D virtual tours, of all of Primark’s UK and European stores, allowing for contractors and project teams to access and assess stores remotely with accuracy.

After a pilot scan of the Leeds City Centre store in 2021, Apollo3D then scanned eight locations in the UK before being asked to scan all 187 stores in the country. By the end of last month, it had scanned more than 350 stores across multiple European markets.

Apollo3D says survey time has been reduced by more than 80% as a result of the scans, shortening project timelines and freeing up resources. 

After the LED lighting programme, Primark has since used the 3D scans for projects including the installation of its Click & Collect desks, self-service checkouts and new beauty and home department layouts. 

Mark Shepherd, Managing Director and Founder at Apollo3D, comments: “This project really demonstrates the power of virtual mapping in large scale infrastructure delivery. We’ve worked closely with Primark to refine the process, speed up site capture and deliver exactly the information needed. The result is a smarter, greener and more cost-effective way to manage upgrades across hundreds of sites.”

“Our exciting work with Primark highlights how immersive digital technology is redefining the retail landscape, turning logistical challenges into scalable, data driven solutions. As businesses across all sectors look to modernise their infrastructure while cutting costs and emissions, this partnership is a blueprint for how innovation can deliver meaningful, measurable impact at scale.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.