The Lovable Tech Trap: Jeremy Drury on IKEA’s AI Strategy

AI in Retail: Jeremy Drury on IKEA’s Transformation,
Leadership & the Future of Omnichannel


AI, retail transformation, omnichannel and customer experience:
how is IKEA preparing for the next era of retail?


In this episode of Retail o-Tones, Alexis Tsingeni, The Retail
Reporter, speaks with Jeremy Drury, CDO of IKEA Germany, about AI
enablement, digital innovation and the challenge of transforming
one of the world’s most iconic retail brands.


The conversation explores how IKEA approaches AI beyond the hype:
from automation and internal AI agents to leadership, creativity
and change management. Jeremy shares why technology should solve
the right problems at the right time — and why stores will remain
a central part of the customer journey in an increasingly
omnichannel world.


How can retailers enable employees to work with AI? Where does AI
create real value inside retail organizations? And how do you
balance technology with human creativity and experience?


A conversation about AI in retail that goes beyond buzzwords and
focuses on people, processes and the future of connected shopping
experiences.


Recorded during EuroShop 2026 Filmed inside the OBI Garden House


Retail o-Tones – EuroShop 2026 is powered by Vusion.





00:00 Welcome Back to Retail o-Tones


02:34 Transforming IKEA Germany


05:13 The Role of AI in Retail


07:46 AI Enablement Strategies


10:11 Navigating Change Management


12:55 AI Applications in Business15:23 Learning and Adapting with
AI


17:30 The Future of Retail and AI


20:35 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook





️ Host: Alexis Tsingeni, Retail Reporter


️ Guest: Jeremy Drury, CDO IKEA Germany





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️ Chapters️ Host & Guest Support the Podcast