Debenhams Group, owner of brands including Karen Millen and PrettyLittleThing, has adopted a new agentic AI tool to manage sales, stock and pricing more effectively across its portfolio.

The retailer said the technology will enable faster, data‑driven decision‑making during the festive season, which is the busiest trading period of the year for Debenhams Group.

By combining information on stock, pricing and promotions, Debenhams Group said the system gives teams a clearer view of demand and performance, helping them respond quickly as shopping patterns shift through the season.

The new tool, created in partnership with technology company Peak (now part of UiPath), is the group’s latest investment in innovation to improve efficiency and agility.

According to the retailer, the tool can predict and guide decisions and act on them autonomously, saving the merchandising team time each month and increasing the speed and accuracy of decision‑making across brands.

By providing better insights and enabling more timely decisions, Debenhams Group said the tool will strengthen planning and coordination across the group in the run‑up to Black Friday and the festive shopping season.

Debenhams Group first partnered with Peak in June to explore how AI could enhance product pricing and promotions, and has since scaled its use to support peak trading.

“As a digital‑first retailer, we’re embracing AI to make smarter, faster decisions that simplify our operations and enhance the customer experience,” said Dan Finley, chief executive officer of Debenhams Group. “This technology will transform how we manage stock and pricing – especially during the busy festive season – and help us continue to deliver great value and service across all our brands.”

Other retailers have recently launched AI tools, including Mango, which implemented a new AI‑powered supply chain platform last week designed to improve the quality and performance of its products.

Earlier this month, grocery chain Waitrose announced the trial of an AI‑powered app on a handheld device which will allow its employees to check stock and answer customer queries. The app is part of a record £50 million investment in technology across its store estate.

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