As part ofa new RTIH series, in which leading industry figures share the retail soundtrack of their lives, we sit down with Alan Stephenson-Brown, CEO at Evolve, to talk frictionless stores hype, exciting AI assisted shelf monitoring and replenishment developments, and the convenience of self-service checkouts.
RTIH: Your earliest memory of interacting with retail technology
ASB: The classic cash register immediately comes to mind. The ding as the drawer sprang open, the cashier entering prices manually before taking your money and counting out the change. That was often the main piece of technology you saw as a shopper, and there was a person taking you through the whole transaction.
A shopping trip looks very different now. You can check stock before leaving home, scan products as you walk around the store and access offers through your loyalty app. What feels like a straightforward visit now involves several different systems working together.
I find that change fascinating, particularly how quickly we get used to each new convenience. Yet our expectations as shoppers haven’t changed all that much. We still want to find what we came for and pay the right price, without being held up by a frozen checkout or an offer that won’t load.
The technology should work smoothly and keep the shopping trip quick and easy. If it doesn’t, and we’re kept waiting, we’ll simply go and buy elsewhere.
RTIH: Most frequently used retail technology in your day-to-day life
ASB: Self-service checkouts, especially when I’m in a rush and only picking up a few items. Being able to complete a small shop yourself can be extremely convenient.
I also find them interesting because of how much comes together in one seemingly straightforward transaction. You scan the product, its price appears, your loyalty offers are applied and you make the payment. We’ve become so used to that sequence that we barely give it a second thought.
There’s lots happening behind the screen, but as a shopper I’m usually concentrating on getting my shopping into the bag and being on my way.
RTIH: The most exciting and promising retail technology innovation right now
ASB: AI assisted shelf monitoring and replenishment is one of the most exciting developments at the moment. As high tech as it sounds, the thinking behind it is underpinned by an age old gripe. You make a trip for something specific, only to find an empty space on the shelf.
It’s one of the most frustrating experiences a shopper can have, particularly if you then have to make another stop or are in rush. It can be frustrating for colleagues too, who may have the product in the stockroom but haven’t yet spotted that the shelf needs replenishing.
What appeals to me is the potential to join up what’s happening on the shop floor with the stock available and help colleagues decide where they’re needed next. The benefit is very practical, as it gives staff better information to work with and customers a higher chance of finding what they came for.
I’d be interested to see how it performs during busy periods, when stock moves quickly and teams have competing demands. Customers might never notice the technology involved, but I’d be quite happy to find empty shelves less often.
RTIH: The retail technology innovation you’d like to take to a desert island
ASB: Definitely a self-service coffee machine, and ideally one with enough beans to last until someone comes to rescue me. I think a decent coffee would make the situation considerably more bearable.
Back on the mainland, I really appreciate being able to pick up a coffee while I’m already stopping somewhere. At a forecourt, for example, you can fill up, get your drink and carry on with your journey without making another stop.
It’s one of those conveniences you quickly get used to. You choose what you want, press a few buttons and have a freshly made coffee to take with you. There’s very little you need to think about.
Of course, finding the machine out of order when you’ve been looking forward to that coffee is very disappointing. I suspect the same experience on a desert island would be much more frustrating.
RTIH: The most overhyped retail technology innovation you most definitely wouldn’t take to a desert island
ASB: The promise of a completely self-sufficient, frictionless store. I can see the appeal of checkout-free shopping, particularly when you want to grab a few things and get on with your day. However, I’d still want to know how easy it is to get help if something goes wrong.
You might be unsure whether a payment has gone through or why an offer hasn’t been applied. Nobody wants to be left halfway through a purchase wondering what to do next, especially if they’re worried about being charged twice or even worse, stranded on a desert island. At that point, I’d want someone on hand to offer some support.
There’s plenty to be positive about with automation. I’d just like asking for help to be as straightforward as making the purchase. If I’m taking something to a desert island, a way of getting help would be fairly high on my list.
Evolve is among the finalists at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards, which celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world, have now closed for entries. Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.
We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.
Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London.
The event will be held on Wednesday, 4th November and consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.
Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.
