7. Coles 360 taps Qsic retail technology for launch of AI driven audio across Coles Liquor stores
Coles 360 has announced a partnership with Qsic to bring AI driven in-store audio to Coles Liquor stores across Australia, offering supplier brands a new way to connect with customers.
Qsic’s platform will leverage Coles Liquor’s data, including transactional data, loyalty insights and stock inventory to optimise the in-store audio experience. By analysing product demand cycles, Qsic dynamically places advertisements during peak demand periods.
“Our pioneering audio platform extends Coles 360’s reach into the in-store environment, delivering highly relevant and localised ads at the point of purchase, while also enhancing the overall shopping experience,” says Ben Dixon, Head of Retail Media & Partnerships at Qsic.
“Retail partners using Qsic have seen an average sales quantity increase of 11%+ and a sales lift of 14%+; this is also not the ceiling by any means. By leveraging Coles Liquor’s data to fuel our in-store audio algorithm, we’re positioned to help brands drive sales, improve shopper engagement, and minimise wasted ad spend. These capabilities are truly game-changing for any brand investing in retail media.”
8. AI tops retail technology for unlocking growth in 2025 among UK firms, RTS research finds
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the top technology UK retail leaders feel will unlock and accelerate growth for their businesses in 2025, according to research from Retail Technology Show.
A survey of over 2,000 senior UK retail professionals flags Gen AI, personalisation, marketing automation, and in-store analytics as the other key technologies for next year.
Matt Bradley, Event Director at RTS, comments: “The advent of AI maturity and mass adoption has galvanised retailers’ imagination for what it can deliver for their businesses, and increasingly they’re seeing the technology as an accelerator for growth.”
“UK retail has long led the way in the innovation stakes globally, so while its fast-paced deployment is unsurprising, the ‘AI acid test’ will come as retailers look longer-term at the ROI it can deliver. That not only relies on data input and security, but also on creative implementations that drive meaningful efficiency and customer benefits, as well as considering how AI datacentres can be operated and run more sustainably in the mid- to long-term.”
Debuting in its new home, ExCeL London, RTS will welcome 15,000 retail professionals on 2nd and 3rd April 2025. Register for free to attend here.
9. e.l.f. Cosmetics enlists Obsess on first immersive e-commerce experience for brand’s loyalty members
e.l.f. Cosmetics, an e.l.f. Beauty brand, and experiential e-commerce company Obsess have announced the launch of the Virtual Luxe Lounge, an immersive digital shopping experience for e.l.f. Beauty Squad members in the US and the UK.
This is its loyalty programme, now offering members the opportunity to explore a speakeasy themed, 3D environment where they can shop new product drops for the holiday season and access exclusive coupons to redeem at checkout.
“Our community is at the heart of everything that we do and we’re thrilled to offer our most loyal community a unique and interactive way to shop our most coveted holy grail products,” says Ekta Chopra, Chief Digital Officer, e.l.f. Beauty. “e.l.f. Beauty Squad members are incredibly important to us, and we’re excited to bring them an exclusive shopping experience that will give them new ways to earn and redeem rewards.”
“This is the first time we’re incorporating a loyalty programme into a 3D, virtual experience to exclusively offer its most engaged audience a new way to shop,” says Neha Singh, Founder and CEO at Obsess.
“e.l.f. has cemented itself as an innovative brand leader, and we are thrilled to partner with the company once again, following the success of our previous collaborations to launch virtual shopping experiences.”
10. Primark Click and Collect service now available at more than half of budget retailer’s British stores
“It’s been great to see such a positive reception to the new service from our colleagues and customers, and to be part of bringing the best of Primark to more people. Watch this space after the Christmas break for more launches,” says Grace Fisher, Click & Collect Lead.
Kari Rodgers, UK Retail Director at Primark, says: “We’re already seeing strong uptake for Click & Collect as we continue to roll-out the service nationwide, and we expect this demand to grow as we head into the busy festive shopping season. We hope our customers up and down the country find their shopping experiences just that little bit easier this year thanks to the added convenience our service brings.”
“Now that Click & Collect is available at more than half of our British stores, we’re pleased to be offering shoppers more opportunities than ever to enjoy our great value, affordable fashion.”