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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI and retail update. Today, we’ve got some exciting news from major retailers embracing AI, new delivery partnerships, leadership changes, and a big investigation into online pricing. Let’s dive right in.
Debenhams Group is stepping up its game with a brand-new agentic AI tool just in time for the busy festive season. According to Retail Bulletin, this AI will help manage sales, stock, and pricing more effectively across their brands like Pretty Little Thing and Boohoo. Dan Finley, their CEO, highlighted that the technology enables faster, data-driven decisions that simplify operations and improve customer experience. It’s all about reacting quickly as shopping patterns shift during peak periods, ensuring great value and service. This move really shows how AI is becoming central to retail strategy.
Superdrug has teamed up with Just Eat to offer ultra-fast delivery on over 8,000 products, some delivered in just 30 minutes. Angela Beevers reports for Retail Bulletin that this service covers beauty, fragrance, baby care, and medicine categories across 29 stores in selected postcodes. The partnership launches just in time for the holiday rush, with plans to go nationwide by March 2026. Superdrug’s COO Simon Comins said this move responds directly to customer demand, making shopping seamless and convenient. Ordering is done through the Just Eat app, with local couriers picking and delivering orders fast.
In leadership news, N Brown Group has created a new role merging trading and marketing, appointing Arfan Sabir as director. Retail Gazette explains that this integration aims to sharpen commercial focus, elevate customer experience, and accelerate growth. Sabir brings experience from Avnet, Lego, and Mothercare, promising a cohesive, customer-focused approach. N Brown’s CEO Dene Jones emphasized that this change reflects their commitment to commercial excellence and outstanding service. It’s a strategic move to strengthen their market position in a competitive landscape.
The Competition and Markets Authority has launched an investigation into online pricing practices of homeware retailers Wayfair, Appliances Direct, and Marks Electrical. Retail Sector reports the probe focuses on whether time-limited sales ended as promised and if customers were automatically opted into extra services. This is under the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, targeting drip pricing and pressure selling. The CMA can now order compensation and fines up to 10% of global turnover if laws are broken. Marks Electrical and Wayfair are cooperating, with Marks already adjusting some practices to align with expectations.
And finally, Asda’s marketing chief Adam Zavalis is stepping down after more than two years. Retail Gazette notes Zavalis joined in 2023 and led marketing campaigns through agencies like Havas London and Lucky Generals. Asda is searching for a senior marketing executive to oversee both Asda and George brands. The company thanked Zavalis for his contributions and wished him well for the future. Leadership changes like this often signal shifts in marketing strategy ahead.
That wraps up today’s top stories from retail and AI. It’s clear that AI tools, fast delivery, integrated leadership, and regulatory scrutiny are shaping the future of shopping. Thanks for tuning in to The Checkout by Kuro House—catch you tomorrow for more insights.
