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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily AI update show. Today, we’ve got some exciting moves in retail and tech that are shaping the future of shopping. From AI-driven fashion shows to game-changing point of sale systems, let’s dive right in.
The Direct Selling Association in the UK has a new chair, Amanda Sly, stepping up to lead the board. According to Retail Times, Sly brings 25 years of retail experience, including leadership roles at Avon and AquaSource. She’s focused on supporting flexible, entrepreneurial opportunities, especially for women, in the direct-to-consumer space. With technology and automation rising, Sly sees a chance for D2C to shine through personal interaction and tailored recommendations. This change signals a strong commitment to evolving the D2C retail model in the UK.
Debenhams group’s recent pivot to a marketplace model hasn’t fixed its deeper brand challenges, says GlobalData. Retail Times reports that revenue fell 23% to £296.9 million in the first half of fiscal 2025/26. Youth brands like boohoo.com and PrettyLittleThing are losing ground amid fierce competition from Shein and the resale market. While Debenhams itself saw a 6.8% revenue rise, other brands like Karen Millen and Wallis continue to struggle without clear identities. This highlights the tough road ahead for the group despite some cost-cutting and rebranding efforts.
Quiz Clothing is expanding by reopening stores in Aberdeen and Telford, bringing a fresh look to these locations. Retail Sector shares that the new stores feature softer designs with white and gold fittings plus video campaign screens. The refreshed layout supports an expanded product range including partywear, tailoring, and wider sizing options. Chief Executive Sheraz Ramzan says reopening at peak trading time is perfect for loyal customers eager for an elevated in-store experience. Quiz now operates 42 UK stores alongside online and international franchises.
Topshop and THG Studios are teaming up for what they call the world’s first AI-driven, shoppable catwalk show. Retail Sector reports the event will take place in Manchester on February 26, 2026, blending physical and digital zones powered by Google Cloud. Guests will influence the show in real time, with AI-generated models and instant purchasing options on every look. Sponsored by PayPal, this immersive experience aims to set a new global standard for fashion events. It’s a bold step showcasing how technology and creativity are merging in the fashion industry.
Pacsun has successfully implemented Manhattan Active Point of Sale across 300 stores, streamlining checkout and unifying commerce. The Retail Bulletin highlights that this rollout took just eight weeks after a five-month pilot phase. Mobile checkout and RFID-powered inventory management helped reduce logistics costs by 25% and cut online order fulfillment times by half. Store associates now use a single app for clienteling, returns, and endless aisle orders, turning stores into powerful fulfillment hubs. Pacsun’s Chief Digital Officer calls it a game-changer that drove their strongest holiday season yet.
That wraps up today’s highlights on innovation and transformation in retail. It’s clear that technology and fresh leadership are key to navigating today’s challenges and opportunities. Thanks for tuning in to The Checkout by Kuro House. We’ll catch you again tomorrow with more updates.
