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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI update. Today we’ve got five stories that show how AI and tech are reshaping retail and commerce in concrete ways. Let’s dive right in.
First up, a reality check on the sprawling tech stacks retailers are managing today. Patrick Overall from The Retail Bulletin reports that most retailers have layered on so many systems—ERPs, MDMs, DAMs, and more—that their product data is fragmented and inconsistent. This fragmentation is a huge problem because AI-powered discovery tools rely on clean, structured product data to show your products to buyers. Without a central product information management system, or PIM, AI engines simply can’t recommend your products effectively. The takeaway? Instead of buying more tools, retailers need to focus on integrating and orchestrating their existing data better, with PIM at the heart of it.
Next, Currys is transforming its repair services with AI to speed up fixes and improve customer experience. Retail Gazette highlights Currys’ new AI video tool that lets customers send a quick video showing the problem with their device. The AI analyzes the footage and sends a detailed diagnosis straight to the engineers, cutting down the need for multiple visits. Currys says this tool has boosted first-time fix rates and reduced costs, all while giving customers 24/7 access without waiting on calls. Plus, their Cash for Trash scheme incentivizes recycling old tech, feeding their refurb and repair efforts sustainably.
On the grocery front, Asda is simplifying its shelves by cutting over 4,000 SKUs to focus on key products. Retail Gazette reports this move aims to streamline the supply chain and reduce complexity for customers. Asda’s chair wants to bring the SKU count down from about 30,000 to roughly 24,000 or 25,000. This comes after Asda experienced a sales drop ahead of the festive season, making this a strategic push to boost performance. They’re also tightening sick leave policies to improve workforce management as part of their turnaround plan.
Meanwhile, New York Bakery is backing Boxing Day demand with a big retail media push across major UK supermarkets. Retail Times shares that the brand is activating in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons with digital screens, targeted coupons, and sponsored search ads. The campaign focuses on positioning their bagels as a festive hosting must-have and a convenient brunch option after Christmas. This multi-channel approach aims to capture shoppers at key moments, driving both awareness and sales through the holiday peak. It’s a smart use of data-led targeting combined with high-impact media to influence shopper behavior.
Finally, a serious incident at a Marks and Spencer store in London saw 11 staff hospitalized due to carbon monoxide exposure. Retail Sector reports firefighters responded quickly to the gas leak, ventilating the building and ensuring no customers were harmed. The store temporarily closed but was expected to reopen soon after the incident. This serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety and rapid response in retail environments.
That’s all for today’s update on AI and retail tech. We’re seeing how better data management, AI-powered tools, and strategic simplification are shaping the future of commerce. Thanks for tuning in to The Checkout by Kuro House. Catch you tomorrow for more.
