Currys selects Accenture and Microsoft for Generative AI adoption
Currys has selected Accenture and Microsoft to deliver its core technology infrastructure to enable the international omnichannel retailer to leverage the latest AI technologies to enhance customer shopping. The strategic collaboration also aims to boost productivity through improved business operations.
Omnichannel retailer of technology products and services Currys employs over 32,000 people and operates through 830 stores in eight different countries. In 2021, the group consolidated its various brands – Carphone Warehouse, Team Knowhow, Currys PC World and Dixons Carphone – under one name in the UK, creating the country’s largest electronics retailer, with 26% market share.
As Currys looks to build on this, it has committed to an overhaul of its customer experience offering – with artificial intelligence at its heart. The company is looking to deploy a new core cloud technology infrastructure, which will enable the retailer to leverage the latest AI technologies to enhance operations, elevate the shopping experience, and improve the colleague experience for its 25,000 people.
To help deliver this new system, Currys has selected Accenture, Microsoft and Avanade to power a joint venture that will secure and simplify its technology estate. At the same time, Currys hopes this will enable it to accelerate the adoption of Microsoft AI technologies such as Azure OpenAI Service.
Julie Sweet, chair and CEO, Accenture, said, “Building a strong digital core will enable Currys to take its customer service and employee experience to the next level, and more quickly harness the potential of AI and generative AI to drive its ongoing reinvention. Together with Microsoft, we are helping Currys raise the bar in the retail industry, reach new frontiers of performance and efficiency, and create new value and growth.”
By leveraging these Microsoft AI technologies, Currys believes it can unlock value across every part of the business; making it easier for customers to shop with personalised product information; retaining them with improved post-sales experiences; and equipping colleagues with faster information about product availability.
Alex Baldock, group CEO of Currys, commented, “AI is the biggest technological leap of our life time. Currys exists to help everyone enjoy amazing technology, so as well as bringing the benefits of AI to millions of customers, we’ll do the same to our own business. We couldn’t have better partners for this, and together we aim to put Currys at the forefront of digital transformation in retail. We’re just starting out here, but the possibilities are vast. I’m looking forward to unlocking big benefits for our colleagues, customers and shareholders.”
This is not the first time Currys has turned to the consulting sector for help with its business transformations. The company worked with BearingPointon its 2021 consolidation, with the firm embedding a team of experts with the client to help get the most out of the transformation.
