The Retail Technology Show 2024, held at London’s prestigious Olympia, served as a crucible of innovation, bringing together Europe’s leading retailers and technology innovators in a dynamic exchange of ideas, insights and breakthrough solutions. 

Of course, we were there again, this time with our own stand, networking with industry leaders and gathering the latest trends and concerns of UK retailers. And best of all, Orquest walked away as winner of the Retail Technology Show Innovation Awards. 

In addition, in the midst of the post-Brexit retail landscape, we engaged industry leaders on the ground to uncover their top concerns. While automation and cost savings were common themes, the standout challenge emerged as talent retention and well-being. This concern is heightened in the context of labor shortages, complicated regulatory changes, and the perennial issues facing the retail sector. Let’s dive into the key highlights we’ve compiled from the event.

Unveiling the challenges: Post-Brexit Retail Realities

The decision to leave the European Union has sent shockwaves through the UK retail sector, exacerbating labor shortages and prompting a reevaluation of traditional staffing strategies. As the effects of leaving the European Union begin to reverberate across the nation, UK retailers find themselves at a critical crossroads. 

At the Retail Technology Show, the impact of Brexit on every aspect of retail operations, including workforce management and store efficiency, was clearly part of the conversation among industry leaders. But at the heart of this transformation is the quest for resilience – the ability to weather storms, overcome hurdles, and emerge stronger on the other side. It is in this crucible of adversity that pioneering solutions like Orquest come to the fore, offering retailers a lifeline amidst the chaos of post-Brexit uncertainty.

Security and AI: Cornerstones of Innovation

Against a backdrop of post-Brexit uncertainty, two prevailing themes emerged as cornerstones of innovation at the Retail Technology Show: security and artificial intelligence (AI). Industry leaders gathered to discuss strategies for combating data theft, safeguarding assets and protecting staff in an increasingly volatile retail environment. The conversation explored the potential of advanced technologies, such as AI for customer facial recognition, to mitigate security risks and enhance loss prevention efforts.

At the same time, AI has emerged as a transformative force reshaping the retail landscape, with speakers highlighting its ubiquitous presence and unparalleled utility. John Bates, technology director at Morrisons, explained AI’s role in revolutionizing supply chain and store management, citing real-world applications that optimize efficiency and enhance the customer experience.

Orquest Winner of the Retail Technology Show Innovation Awards

Amidst the buzz of innovation and anticipation, Orquest emerged as one of the highlights of the Retail Technology Show, clinching the prestigious Innovation Awards 2024. Orquest’s pioneering AI-driven workforce scheduling solution captured the imagination of industry experts, positioning the company as a trailblazer in reshaping the future of retail operations. 

At the awards ceremony held on April 24th, 2024, Orquest’s UK team proudly accepted the accolade, reaffirming their commitment to pushing the boundaries of retail technology and driving transformative change. 

“With 2024 being our biggest ever technology showcase, with over 400 innovators and tech providers exhibiting at RTS 2024, the quality in this year’s award submissions made for a competitive field.  Many congratulations to all our finalists and, of course, to our worthy winners, Orquest, who’s solution that empower retail’s frontline workers stood out against stiff competition,” said Matt Bradley, Event Director of the Retail Technology Show, in presenting the award.

Looking Ahead

As the Retail Technology Show drew to a close, one thing became abundantly clear: the future of retail is intrinsically linked to innovation, adaptability, and resilience. In the face of unprecedented challenges, industry players must embrace emerging technologies, harness data-driven insights, and foster a culture of collaboration to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. With Orquest leading the charge in transforming workforce management and AI poised to reshape every facet of retail operations, the stage is set for a new era of innovation and growth in the retail industry.