John Lewis innovation programme shortlist features store tech, personalisation

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Feb 19, 2019

John Lewis has revealed the six entrepreneurs and ideas shortlisted for its retail innovation programme JLAB to find more immersive and personalised ways to improve the in-store shopping experience.

Following a competitive pitch day, the six shortlisted businesses will continue discussions with JLAB to further develop their ideas and potentially work with the John Lewis Partnership in the future.

With 51 shops across the UK, John Lewis is in a race to reinvent itself before technology and online shopping render its stores obsolete.

The shortlist includes SeloyLive, which transforms shop windows into huge interactive displays; Oriient, which has developed a solution to ensure customers can better navigate and find products in-store; and Ruuby, which allows customers to book beauty treatments at home, the office or any other location they choose.

Peter Cross, customer experience director at John Lewis & Partners, commented:
“Our search was for those entrepreneurs who might dare to think differently about the future of retail. Recent years have seen seismic changes in our sector, with a new benchmark in customer expectation every time they shop. Shops simply have no option but to ... [offer] both fantastic products and personalised seamless experiences.
 
“We believe the dynamic new businesses selected for further discussions with JLAB will help us continue to stretch, shape and deliver together for our customers in the future."
 
MemoMi allows customers to virtually try on a vast array of fashion and beauty products; MakersCAFE is trialling 3D printing and laser cutting personalisation; and LettUs Grow is pursuing a more sustainable approach to farming through the growing of plants without soil.
 
In addition to the JLAB programme, John Lewis has recently put service innovation at the centre of its offer, and introduced new styling training for staff, new personal styling appointment types and upgraded styling suits and fashion event spaces.