Currys has announced it will install new payment infrastructure to enable the technology retailer to adopt emerging technologies, including AI.

Through a new partnership with financial services company Stripe, Currys said it will install “thousands” of new payment terminals across its network of almost 300 stores in the UK and Ireland.

Currys added that the move will enable it to provide AI-powered shopping experiences as well as faster, more flexible checkouts.

The company has also partnered with UK-based micro-donation charity Pennies.

As part of the move, Currys has brokered a three-way partnership with Stripe and micro-donation charity Pennies, prompting shoppers to give to charity when paying through the new terminals in what the company describes as a global first.

Pennies has worked with over 150 brands since 2010 to enable more than 300 million donations, raising £75 million for over 1,100 charities.

The company gives people paying by card a “data-free way” to add a small donation to their purchase.

“We're already using AI to help customers find the right tech - now with Stripe's infrastructure, and partnerships with the likes of OpenAI, we can layer in new payment capabilities that work seamlessly with AI-assisted shopping and whatever else comes next,” said Andy Camble, chief information and transformation officer at Currys. “And the fact we can also make it easier for customers to support causes they care about? That's innovation that actually matters.”

The installation of new payment terminals builds on the retailer’s wider store transformation programme, which has already seen the company roll out employee headsets.

In November last year, Currys also announced it had completed the rollout of electronic shelf labels (ESLs) across all 295 stores in the UK and Ireland.
ESLs synchronise automatically with central systems to ensure online and in store prices match.

The digital displays can show product specifications, promotions and QR codes for easy access to more details.

Currys said at the time that the move ensures price consistency across its stores, eliminating discrepancies between paper labels and online listings.

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