# Bodycare and PMC Shortlisted in Two Categories at 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

> Bodycare and PMC are finalists in two 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards categories, with 673 creators and 7.5 million views behind the AI-first store push.

- Published: 2026-10-23T09:45:46+00:00
- Section: Business
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-10-23/bodycare-pmc-rtih-awards-shortlist
- Source: [Retail Technology Innovation Hub](https://retailtechinnovationhub.com/home/2026/10/23/bodycare-and-pmc-shortlisted-at-2026-rtih-innovation-awards-for-ai-first-experience-led-store-push)

## Key takeaways

- Bodycare and PMC are finalists in the Bricks and Mortar and AI Innovation (UK) categories at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
- Bodycare has opened five stores in Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, Bradford and Dudley, and has onboarded 673 creators since July, generating 7.5 million views.
- Bodycare runs store operations through its custom-built AI platform AIMEE, with PMC's Graphene Engage and Interact deployed across the estate.

[Bodycare](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/00004kl/bodycare) and [PMC](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0004ulu/pmc) have been shortlisted in two categories at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards for the digital infrastructure behind the value health and beauty retailer's new store network. [Retail Technology Innovation Hub](https://retailtechinnovationhub.com/home/2026/10/23/bodycare-and-pmc-shortlisted-at-2026-rtih-innovation-awards-for-ai-first-experience-led-store-push) reported the shortlisting on October 23, 2026. The pair are finalists in the Bricks and Mortar and AI Innovation (UK) categories.

## Bodycare's AI-First Store Network

Bodycare has opened five stores in Sheffield, Derby, Leicester, Bradford and Dudley. The retailer runs all store operations through its proprietary, custom-built AI platform, AIMEE, which connects data across customers, inventory, trends, social content and store performance. Each store includes a free-to-use content production studio for creators and micro-influencers, and since July Bodycare has onboarded 673 creators, generating 7.5 million views across its creator network content.

PMC designed and delivered Bodycare's digital architecture from the ground up, deploying its Graphene Engage platform for traditional, mobile and self-service checkout experiences and its Interact digital display solution for interactive screens across the estate. PMC previously completed a Point of Sale system roll-out across B&M's estate of over 790 UK stores with PoS specialist Flooid, Retail Technology Innovation Hub reported on August 3, 2026.

"We're thrilled to have been shortlisted in two RTIH Innovation Awards," says Bodycare's CMO, Tash Courtenay-Smith. "From the hugely positive reaction from communities where we've opened new stores to the viral buzz being driven online by our content creator network, this recognition from the RTIH Awards marks another milestone in bringing Bodycare back to the high street."

Elliott Winskill, Technology & Solutions Director at PMC and acting Technical Lead for Bodycare, said the recognition for helping create a new blueprint for bricks and mortar retailing is further validation of the momentum behind Bodycare's comeback.

## Bodycare's Expansion and Funding Record

Bodycare was acquired out of administration in November 2025 by an investment group led by Charles Denton, the former CEO of The Body Shop and Molton Brown, according to akta.pro [company records](https://akta.pro/company-data). The company has opened 15 stores in its first year under new ownership and is targeting 30-50 locations in regional shopping centres. Bodycare operates 85 stores after closing 30 following its September 2025 administration, which reduced its estate from 147 stores. The company was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Leyland.

## How Bodycare's Comeback Unfolded

Bodycare reopened its physical retail presence with a Studio Store concept at the Derbion centre in Derby, marking its return after collapsing into administration and being acquired by an investor group led by Charles Denton, Retail Technology Innovation Hub reported in August 2026. Arāya Ventures led an investment round in the retailer, the same outlet reported on August 4, 2026. Jay Thapar joined Bodycare as Head of Influencer & Creator Partnerships in September 2026, when the company had opened its third Studio Store in Leicester and planned 15 UK stores in 2026, growing to 150 over five years.

## What Comes Next for Bodycare

Bodycare plans to open 25 UK stores in 2026, Retail Technology Innovation Hub reported on October 8, 2026. The company raised £4m in pre-seed funding and plans 15 stores, targeting 90 eventually, Beauty Independent reported on October 20, 2026.

## Companies in this story

- [Bodycare company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/00004kl/bodycare) · website: https://www.bodycareonline.co.uk
- [PMC company profile](https://akta.pro/company-profiles/0004ulu/pmc) · website: https://pmccommerce.com

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