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JD Sports makes major move in one-click AI sales

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January 12, 2026

JD Sports is diving deep into AI with a new plan that means  shoppers will be able to buy products through AI platforms without exiting an app.

JD Sports

AI is increasingly making itself felt in retail in both behind-the-scenes and customer-facing activities and this is one move that’s as customer-facing as it’s possible to get. It reflects consumers’ increasing use of AI platforms like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, the latter of which will be its first partner.

Jetan Chowk, JD’s chief technology and transformation officer told the Press Association the company sees AI as “the future of how people will shop” and the retailer wants to be at the heart of this.

It’s working with Commercetools and payment firm Stripe on “one-click purchases” through AI platforms with the tech to launch in the US — now its biggest market — in the months ahead.

But JD isn’t the only one carving out an AI sales future. Back in October major rival Frasers Group (it owns Sports Direct, which competes directly with JD in the UK) saying it was to become the first European retailer to deploy Commercetools’ full agentic commerce suite.

As for JD, it’s expecting to expand the tech to other key markets (the UK and Europe) this year.

Chowk said: “We think AI is the future of how people will shop, and we want to stay at the forefront of how they shop. What we are currently seeing is that customers are regularly using AI apps to research and discover the products they want to buy. We can see that already and want to ensure we are moving early to meet customers and their needs in that space.”

Importantly too, JD has a big presence in the youth shopping market and has seen AI usage soaring for shoppers aged 18 to 24.

So now, those shoppers will be able to not only find products using AI but buy them too within the AI platforms. 

CEO Regis Schultz hailed the strengthening of its digital proposition for customers, and how how the tech “keeps us moving in line with the fast-changing retail landscape”.

He thinks the innovation will make the company more efficient as well as improving the customer experience.

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APICCAPS appoints Paulo Gonçalves as executive director

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January 12, 2026

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January 12, 2026

In the latest changes to APICCAPS’s structure, the Portuguese footwear, components, and leather goods manufacturers’ association announced the appointment of Paulo Gonçalves as executive director on January 9.

Paulo Gonçalves has been appointed executive director of APICCAPS

A graduate of social communication from the Porto School of Journalism, Paulo Gonçalves joined APICCAPS in 1998, at the start of his career. Since then, he has served as director of communications, being “responsible for defining and implementing the association’s communications strategy, as well as for relations with national and international media,” says the organisation, highlighting his work in “strengthening the Portuguese footwear sector’s position in international markets.”

The appointment to the position of executive director, resulting from a decision by the APICCAPS board, “recognises a professional career spanning 26 years in the service of the institution, marked by professionalism, competence and dedication.”

Founded in 1975, APICCAPS represents more than 1,500 companies across the Portuguese footwear cluster, which includes the footwear, footwear components, and leather goods industries, as well as the equipment industry and trade serving these sectors. Since 2017, it has been led by Luís Onofre, who was re-elected president two years ago.

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Russell & Bromley physical stores at risk in potential takeover

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January 12, 2026

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January 12, 2026

Recent news that Next was eyeing an acquisition of Russell & Bromley has been added to with reports that it has teamed up with a stock clearance specialist and that the premium footwear chain’s stores could disappear from the high street.

John Lewis/Russell & Bromley

The company is reportedly working with Retail Realisation on its offer for the retailer, a fact that reinforces Next’s interest in the IPR rather than the physical business.

Retail Realisation is a liquidation with links to Modella Capital, the company that controls TOFS and Claire’s UK, both of which are said to be in danger of administration filings.

Not that Next is a shoe-in as the new owner with its proposal said to be one of a number currently being considered by Russell & Bromley’s adviser Interpath.

Acquisition-hungry Next is also believed to be looking at a takeover deal for another key name in UK footwear, the distressed LK Bennett business.

Sky News cited “industry sources” saying the link-up between Next and Retail Realisation underlined its “interest in Russell & Bromley’s brand rather than its store estate or stock”.

Family-owned Russell & Bromley currently trades from 37 stores and employs more than 450 people. It’s run by fifth-generation family member Andrew Bromley and has Billie Piper as the face of the brand.

If Next bought only the IPR, it would leave the stores without the right to carry the Russell & Bromley name, reports said.

None of the parties involved have commented so far.

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​Amiri names Japan’s Yuta Jinguji its latest ambassador

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January 12, 2026

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January 12, 2026

Amiri has named a new global brand ambassador, Japanese musician Yuta Jinguji, a member of boy band Number_i.

Yuta Jinguji

Jinguji has has a high international profile and as well as begin perfmorerinternational attention. In addition to his work as a performer, he serves as producer on many of Number_i’s songs.

The company said his “unique sense of personal style has also garnered attention, amplified by a devoted global fanbase. Celebrated for his refined yet bold approach to style, he is driven by a deep passion for fashion. Distinct and unmistakable, Jinguji’s look is as exceptional as his sound”.

Linking with musicians is a key part of the Mike Amiri’s Amiri brand identity and musicians from the all-important Asian market are hugely important to luxury labels in general.

That’s definitely the case with Amiri. Since opening its first flagship on Rodeo Drive in 2020, it has expanded globally, with standalone stores across Asia, including locations in Japan’s Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

It said that Yuta Jinguji is “a rising idol and cultural force, shaping the modern intersection of music, fashion, and global influence. His appointment as Global Brand Ambassador reflects Amiri’s forward-looking vision as a truly international luxury brand – with a future defined by creative collaboration, exchange of global perspectives, and the transformative power of personal style”.

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