“The challenge is how do we monetize this information? Curry’s (as an electronics retailer) has a deep understanding of technology and customers. We receive a lot of demand signals from our website and stores. Manufacturers want to know this data.” This means retail media is an opportunity to monetize.
“We’re not as far down this path in Europe as we are in the U.S.,” said the former Google executive, a tech enthusiast who went on to work at Dyson and in the “more product-focused” luxury retail industry in the Middle East.
“On our website, the ads are not random.[Once we master the data]we can target specific demographics. We think the opportunity as a ‘publisher’ is interesting. But in terms of how far along we are in this journey, we’re only 2 out of 5 right now.”
“I used to work in a pure-play technology company, so I know that data gives us opportunities. For example, when you have a growing family, you can see the progress[in your purchasing habits]. That’s useful data. It’s not just ‘eyes.’ If we stay focused and data-driven, we can win. I’m not pretending to get there yet, but AI will help us. ”
bucket list of things you want to do
Den Rooijen listed three key things, or “buckets” as he calls them, that Currys is doing.
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Refrigerator and merchandise sales: This is a highly competitive and high margin business.
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Sales services: This includes aftercare warranties, refurbished old product repair and refurbishment services. The latter supports the sustainability of appliances and is particularly useful as a source of income during the current cost of living crisis. “It also drives customer loyalty and lifetime value.”
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Serve your customers and understand them: This is an open-ended opportunity. This also includes retail media opportunities.
2026 RTIH Innovation Award
AI will be a key focus area for the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are currently accepting entries and celebrate global retail innovation in a rapidly changing omnichannel world.
Our winners will be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 4th November at HAC in central London.
Check out the 2025 winners here.
The 2025 Hall of Fame artists were announced during a sold-out event held at HAC on October 16th. The event consisted of a drinks reception, three-course meal, and an awards ceremony hosted by award-winning comedian, actress, and author Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, RTIH founder and editor Scott Thompson said: “This is our fifth year as a physical event. We started with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to the London Bridge Hotel, the Barbican, and last year to RIBA headquarters in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, in the words of the legend that is Taylor Swift, you’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So this year we moved to our biggest venue ever, attracted the most entries ever, and broke attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s entries were undoubtedly the best yet. In the words of one of the judges, the examples of innovative development across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to all the award winners. A big thank you to our sponsors, our judging committee, the legend Tiff Stevenson, and everyone who attended the 2025 gathering.
