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Welcome to The Checkout by Kuro House, your daily dose of the latest in AI and retail innovation. Today, we’re diving into some exciting new openings, tech trends, and sustainability moves shaping the retail landscape for 2026.
First up, matcha lovers, listen close. JENKI is launching its newest bar at Battersea Power Station in January 2026, bringing freshly whisked matcha to one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The design, crafted by Rain Wu, blends industrial heritage with classic Japanese wood panelling for a calm, ritualistic experience. At the heart of the bar is a striking sky-blue tiered counter that highlights the craft of matcha preparation, creating a modern yet grounded space. Plus, exclusive matcha accessories will be available only at this location, marking a fresh chapter for JENKI, as Retail Times reports.
Next, furniture fans will want to hear this. The Cotswold Company has opened its first retail park showroom in Chichester, expanding its premium handcrafted furniture presence. Unlike traditional stores, this space mimics home environments with styled rooms, dropped ceilings, and faux windows for an immersive shopping experience. They’re showcasing their best-selling collections and the largest upholstery range ever, complete with fabric consultations and take-home swatches. The move signals strong growth, with this being their fourth showroom in 2025, according to Retail Times.
Now, let’s talk retail tech trends that will define 2026. Retail Express highlights five key shifts, starting with electronic shelf-edge labels going mainstream for dynamic pricing and margin control. In-store digital media is booming, with stores like Morrisons installing hundreds of new advertising screens to drive revenue. The barcode is evolving too, with QR codes offering richer product info and enhanced supply chain tracking, though full adoption is expected by 2027. Membership programs will become hyper-personalised, offering targeted rewards based on customer data to boost loyalty. And AI is reaching equilibrium, becoming a standard tool for forecasting, personalisation, and automated decision-making in retail. These insights come straight from Retail Express’s CEO and COO, as shared in Retail Times.
On the sustainability front, ZigZag has teamed up with The Salvation Army to tackle clothing waste. The Donate by Post initiative lets consumers use a returns portal to send unwanted clothes to charity via InPost lockers, with over 17,000 locations nationwide. This modern approach makes donating easy and helps charities manage donations more efficiently, while supporting eco-friendly practices. ZigZag’s CEO and Salvation Army’s donation manager emphasize how this partnership turns convenience into meaningful social impact, as reported by Retail Times.
Finally, a quick look back and ahead. From freshly whisked matcha bars to tech-driven retail innovations and sustainability partnerships, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of thoughtful growth and smart solutions. Thanks for joining The Checkout by Kuro House—where we keep you ahead in the fast-evolving world of AI and retail. Catch you next time.
