Unified commerce agency Visualsoft has launched VS Labs, a new product and innovation studio focused on building Shopify apps and in-store technology that connect online and physical retail experiences.
To mark the launch, Visualsoft is inviting one UK-based independent retailer across any sector to take part in a hands-on unified retail programme. The selected brand will act as a live test environment for new tools and in-store innovation, working directly with the VS Labs team to shape how products are developed and deployed in real retail settings.
In return, the retailer will receive a fully supported package of Shopify apps, in-store technology and hardware designed to strengthen both ecommerce and point of sale operations. The initiative is designed to move beyond theory and test what works in practice, with a focus on solving everyday retail challenges.
VS Labs reflects a shift in how Visualsoft approaches product development. While the business has spent decades supporting retailers operationally, the new studio is focused on building technology that addresses the gaps still present between online and in-store experiences.
The launch comes at a time when customer expectations of joined up retail are increasing, but delivery remains inconsistent. Many retailers are still managing disconnected systems across ecommerce, stores and customer data, creating friction in the customer journey and limiting growth.
Chris Fletcher, CEO at Visualsoft, said “For decades we’ve helped retailers run better day to day, and VS Labs is a natural extension of that, building the tech that supports it. It gives us a way to turn what we’ve learned into products, and move faster on what retailers need to grow across online and in-store.”
The selected retailer will gain access to a suite of VS Labs apps, including Wysh for cross-channel wishlists, Blueprint for product configuration, QuiQR for QR-driven engagement, Impulse for upsell triggers across POS and online, and Broadcast for managing digital signage through Shopify.
The chosen retailer will be supported with in-store infrastructure including Shopify Hub and POS terminals, scanners and printers, customer-facing tablets, digital signage, electronic pricing labels and AI-powered footfall tracking. Additional technology such as digital wallet integration and RFID stock tools will also be deployed to support store operations and customer experience.
Beyond access to tools, the retailer will play an active role in shaping product development, providing real-world feedback and influencing future features. The programme is aimed at brands willing to collaborate closely and explore how unified retail can be delivered in practice.
Liam Quinn, Director of Innovation at Visualsoft, said “A lot of retail tech is still built at a distance from the shop floor, but VS Labs is looking to change that. By collaborating with UK merchants, and testing everything in live environments, we’re able to ship products that make a real difference to the retail experience and the bottom line, both online and in-store. Now we want to take that further with a retailer who wants to be part of what comes next.”
VS Labs has already launched a suite of Shopify apps, now available on the Shopify App Store, and is building on Visualsoft’s existing work supporting unified retail across ecommerce and POS environments. Its tools are already used by thousands of retailers, including established high street and international brands such as SportsShoes.com.
The opportunity is open to UK-based retailers with an existing Shopify store and a recently opened or upcoming physical retail space. Brands must be using, or planning to use, Shopify POS and be willing to act as a live test environment for new technology.
Retailers interested in taking part can find out more and register their interest at www.vslabs.co.uk/retail-partner
