Listen To The Show
Transcript
Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI update. Today, we’ve got some exciting moves in AI-powered retail, leadership changes, and breakthrough sales results. Let’s dive right in.
Imagine turning every product question into a confident buying decision instantly. That’s what Asklo AI is enabling for ecommerce shoppers, according to The Retail Bulletin. This conversational AI assistant delivers instant, product-specific answers right on product pages, no extra scrolling or searching needed. Whether it’s picking the best wireless headphones for a long flight or understanding the light quality of a chandelier, Asklo AI transforms uncertainty into conversions. It’s a clear step forward in the answer economy, helping retailers boost sales by meeting customers exactly where they are.
Health and safety remain a top risk for retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors, with major financial and reputational stakes. WTW’s latest insights highlight that 84% of senior leaders see health and safety as extremely important for business resilience. But here’s the catch: a 2024 survey showed 70% of businesses are unprepared for inspections due to outdated systems. Regulations like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and recent RIDDOR reforms are central to maintaining compliance and protecting employees and customers. Strong health and safety frameworks also boost employee morale and reduce risks across the board, making them essential for operational continuity.
Ocado Group is shaking up its leadership with a new chief revenue officer, Nick de la Vega, starting November 19th. Retail Gazette reports de la Vega comes from Atos, bringing extensive global sales experience to the table. He’ll oversee sales and account management across Ocado’s grocery and non-grocery businesses, aiming to optimize commercial operations for growth. This appointment aligns with the upcoming retirement of CEO Mark Richardson in 2026, marking a new chapter for Ocado’s international expansion. CEO Tim Steiner emphasized the role will help bring Ocado’s technology and offerings to more customers worldwide.
Cookware brand ProCook just reported a record-breaking first half, with sales jumping 25% year on year to £21.3 million. Retail Gazette reveals that retail sales grew 25%, driven by new store openings, while online sales climbed 25.5% boosted by a relaunch on Amazon UK. CEO Lee Tappenden credits improved commercial discipline and strategic marketing for this momentum. ProCook opened six new shops in the first half and plans four more before the holiday season. They’re on track for 100 UK stores, £100 million revenue, and a 10% operating profit margin despite economic challenges.
Peak, a UiPath company, has launched its Agentic AI solutions to revolutionize retail and manufacturing. Retail Times reports these solutions—Agentic Merchandising, Inventory Management, and Commercial Pricing—go beyond recommendations to autonomously predict, decide, and act. Agentic Merchandising streamlines product lifecycle management, balancing revenue, margin, and inventory goals with less manual work. Agentic Inventory Management helps build smarter, resilient supply chains by optimizing procurement and fulfillment decisions, as Hain Celestial Group confirms. Meanwhile, Agentic Commercial Pricing sharpens pricing strategies in real time, boosting conversion and competitiveness in volatile markets.
So, that’s a wrap on today’s AI and retail highlights. From smarter shopping assistants to autonomous AI agents and leadership shifts, the landscape is evolving fast. Thanks for tuning in to The Checkout by Kuro House. Catch you tomorrow for more AI insights.
