RTIH AI in Retail Awards: Celebrating Innovation and Excellence
The RTIH AI in Retail Awards recently honored remarkable achievements within the retail industry, showcasing a diverse array of innovations and technologies. This article highlights the winners of the 2026 awards and reflects on the exciting developments transforming retail, both online and offline.
On January 29th, a sold-out event at The Barbican in Central London celebrated the brightest minds and ideas in the retail sector. The evening featured a drinks reception, a three-course meal, and an awards ceremony led by the talented comedian and writer Lucy Porter.
Recognizing Game-Changing Innovations
Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor of RTIH, kicked off the night with an inspiring welcome speech. He shared thoughts from Amazon’s Andy Jassy, stating that AI represents a monumental transformation comparable to the rise of cloud technology. Thompson emphasized the significant impact AI is having across both traditional and digital retail spaces, enhancing customer experience and addressing key industry challenges.
Many finalists were recognized for their ability to innovate and adapt, enhancing areas such as physical storefronts, online platforms, omnichannel strategies, supply chains, and payment systems. One judge remarked on the challenging task of selecting winners, given the high caliber of entries, reflecting the industry’s shift toward customer-centric solutions driven by artificial intelligence.
2026 Award Winners
Among the standout winners were:
- Brarista
- IBM Consulting
- Foundit!
- Quorso
- Vusion
- Sensei
- Reckon.ai
- EE
- Walkbase
- Globant
- Riskified
- Goddiva
Congratulations to these organizations for their contributions to retail innovation!
We extend our gratitude to the sponsors: VenHub Global, 3D Cloud, EdTech Innovation Hub, and Retail Technology Show, as well as our judging panel and all attendees who made the event memorable.
Upcoming Insights
Stay tuned for an in-depth review of the awards ceremony in the next edition of RTIH Magazine. For those interested, the awards brochure is available for download here.
Conclusion
The RTIH AI in Retail Awards serves as a compelling reminder of the technological advancements taking place within the retail landscape. As businesses continue to leverage AI and other innovative technologies, we can look forward to improved experiences and solutions that benefit both retailers and customers alike. The future of retail is bright, and these awards celebrate the pioneers leading the charge.
