Listen To The Show
Transcript
Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily update on the latest in AI and retail innovation. Today, we’re diving into some exciting moves from Gymshark, Jigsaw, and The Range that are reshaping their industries. Let’s get started.
Gymshark is making a bold move beyond apparel by opening its very first gym this year. The Gymshark Lifting Club will launch in Wynwood, Miami, tapping into the city’s vibrant fitness culture. This marks a major shift for the brand, which has built a massive community of over 20 million members worldwide since 2012. Founder Ben Francis said the gym will be inspired by and for the community, reinforcing Gymshark’s identity as more than just a clothing brand. Details on memberships and the opening date are expected soon, according to Retail Gazette.
Jigsaw is gearing up for significant store expansion with a new retail director at the helm. Chris Browne, who brings 30 years of experience from Ted Baker, has been appointed to lead this growth phase. Jigsaw plans to open 10 new UK stores, increasing its portfolio by nearly 25%, following strong sales and profit gains. Browne’s expertise in international retail and property strategy is seen as key to accelerating Jigsaw’s physical presence. This news comes via Retail Times, highlighting the brand’s commitment to bringing its craftsmanship and design closer to customers.
The Range has upgraded its online marketplace technology through a new partnership with Mirakl. This move replaces its previous in-house system with Mirakl’s AI-powered platform to better manage sellers and streamline operations. Third-party sellers now make up 45% of The Range’s online sales, underscoring the marketplace’s importance to its growth. The retailer’s ecommerce site attracted over 200 million visits in 2025, with product views up 56% year-on-year. Mirakl’s tools will help The Range scale further and enhance the customer experience, according to Retail Times.
Alongside Mirakl, The Range is investing in Google Cloud technologies to boost AI-powered search and product discovery. This will allow customers to find products faster using natural language queries and personalized recommendations. These AI enhancements are part of a broader digital transformation at parent company CDS Superstores. The Range operates over 280 stores across the UK and Ireland, continuing to expand both online and offline. Applications for new marketplace sellers remain open, offering access to a large and growing customer base.
It’s clear that retail brands are doubling down on community, technology, and physical presence to stay competitive. Whether it’s Gymshark opening a gym or The Range enhancing its AI capabilities, the future is about blending experience with innovation. Thanks for tuning in to The Checkout by Kuro House. We’ll catch you tomorrow with more updates.


