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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI update for busy professionals. Today, we’re diving into some major moves in retail technology, governance shake-ups, and AI innovations shaping the industry. Let’s get started.
First up, Asda is making a big bet on AI and cloud technology. According to Retail Gazette, Asda has announced a major collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate its shift to a cloud-first model powered by AI and machine learning. The supermarket will use Microsoft Azure as the backbone for modernising its operations, unlocking efficiencies across the business. Shoppers can expect faster, more personalised services thanks to advanced data analytics and developer tools like Azure Databricks and Copilot Studio. Asda’s chief digital officer highlighted how this partnership will boost productivity and simplify workflows, helping deliver great value and service.
In governance news, Debenhams Group has announced a board reshuffle. The Retail Bulletin reports that Tom Handley has joined as a non-executive director, bringing decades of leadership experience. He will serve on key committees including audit, risk, remuneration, and nominations. Meanwhile, Alistair McGeorge, the senior independent director and former deputy chairman, has stepped down. The board expressed gratitude for his valuable contributions and welcomed Handley’s governance expertise to support future growth.
Currys is making a significant change to its ESG governance structure. The Retail Bulletin shared that Currys is shutting down its board-level environmental, social, and governance committee. The committee, formed in 2023, helped shape and oversee ESG strategy but the board now feels it’s time to evolve governance as sustainability reporting requirements increase. Going forward, ESG responsibilities will be managed by a sustainability leadership team within the executive ranks, with oversight shared between the board and audit committee.
At NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe, exhibitors showcased cutting-edge AI and supply chain innovations. Retail Times highlighted Infios, which revealed new branding and enhanced supply chain execution tools after acquiring MercuryGate. Infios plans to open London offices early next year to better serve retail clients facing supply chain disruptions. Meanwhile, Bria demonstrated responsible generative AI for creative campaigns, licensing over a billion images and half a million hours of video data to co-create with retailers. Other highlights included Scandit’s AI-powered barcode scanning and AR tech for store associates, plus Shift4’s secure omni-channel payment ecosystem with new gift card and tax-free shopping services.
Finally, Boohoo is facing investor pushback over executive bonuses. Retail Gazette reports that over 40% of shareholders voted against the remuneration policy, triggered by concerns over a £2 million bonus to CEO Dan Finley. Advisory groups criticised the company for paying bonuses regardless of performance and lack of transparency on award comparisons. While Boohoo defended its pay strategy as necessary to retain leadership and support its turnaround plan, nearly 40% also opposed re-electing the CEO and chairman.
That wraps today’s roundup of the most impactful AI and retail stories. From cloud-powered transformations to boardroom shifts and innovative AI deployments, the retail landscape is evolving fast. Thanks for tuning in to The Checkout by Kuro House — see you tomorrow for your next AI update.
