Today, we launch an innovation challenge seeking to find new technologies and partners that are putting customer experience at the heart of bricks and mortar retail. In partnership with True, We are looking for start-up businesses to deliver more vibrant in-store shopping experiences, increase visitor dwell time and drive footfall across our retail and leisure destinations internationally.

In the UK, we are working to redefine the relationship between property owners and occupiers, based on a model of mutual success. Since 2020, we have introduced innovative new services to address pain points for occupiers including the Tenant Investment Fund and flexible, simplified lease structures at a critical time for physical retailers.  Through a recent partnership with retail tech start-up, NearSt, we have also turned online shoppers into in-store customers through a pilot in Mayfair and Belgravia – our first direct investment into the tech sector.

Through this challenge, we are hoping  to find innovators and businesses who are disrupting the market and building interventions to improve customer experience while also driving success for retail tenants. 

The judges will be looking for solutions that are:

• Social: The solution’s core purpose is to provide customers with the ability to connect with peers and family to create an experiential shopping experience.
• Personalised: It should be flexible to cater to users’ individual needs. 
• Interactive: It should elevate the shopping experience through interactive technologies. 
• Convenient: It should be easy to understand, quick to use and suitable for all ages. 
• Enjoyable: It should be fun!
• Secure: The solution should not infringe any consumer privacies and should be compliant with regulations.
• Transactional: A critical part of elevating the in-store experience is providing transactional features for customers that make it convenient to make a payment.

Craig O’Donnell, Group Innovation Director, Grosvenor, said: “We’re very excited to launch this Innovation Challenge to aid retail recovery post-pandemic. In Mayfair and Belgravia alone, we support around 500 retail and hospitality companies, the majority of which are independents. Understanding current and future retail trends and anticipating customer need will be crucial to the success of the places we serve and so I’m looking forward to seeing the solutions this challenge brings about.”

Mike Tattersall, Managing Director, Innovation True, said “Grosvenor are reimagining the tenant landlord relationship and helping businesses to grow and diversify post-pandemic. By understanding the technology and partnerships available to them in the retail space, they can pioneer change and enable their retail tenants to thrive. We’re excited to work with a forward-thinking partner that wants to break the mould and support the industry by embracing innovation.”

Find out more here.