Midlands Co-operative selects Aldata to optimise store space to meet needs of local communities

This article is brought to you by Retail Technology Review: Midlands Co-operative selects Aldata to optimise store space to meet needs of local communities.

Aldata, now part of Symphony EYC and a supplier of retail and distribution improvement software, has announced that Midlands Co-operative, one of the largest independent retailers in the UK, has extended its investment to optimise its product assortment and retail space for each of its 192 food stores. Midlands Co-operative will be able to ensure store layouts and inventory meet the demands of local shoppers.

"Community is enormously important to us, so it is vital that we reflect those product needs locally," said Mark Ruttley, General Manager – Information Solutions, Midlands Co-operative. "Space in Convenience stores has to be optimised, and it will make it easier to make the most of our merchandisable space."

Midlands Co-operative has invested in Aldata's Merchandising & Category Management solutions for Store Planning, Shelf Planning and Planogram Automation, which when used in conjunction with the G.O.L.D. Supply Chain and Store Replenishment solutions will enable Midlands Co-operative to match product ordering to the dimensions of both the store and the individual shelves, driving better availability and shopper satisfaction.

"We will be able to drive a two-way dialogue between Central Services, communicating assortment, promotions and layouts, and the stores who can quickly escalate any issues with compliance," continues Ruttley. "While we have always been there for the Midlands community, we now have the technology to move to a more shopper-driven, rather than supply-driven retail model. Convenience shopping is very competitive and all stores need to meet the demands for 'top up' shopping by having the understanding and technology to stock a core set of products with the flexibility to meet local variations."

"The implementation of space optimisation will help Midlands Co-operative to improve availability and sales for each individual store as well as help to meet the needs of the local community," said Andrew Banks, Commercial Director at Symphony EYC UK. "We are delighted to build on our existing supply chain technology relationship with Midlands Co-operative and look forward to supporting the full roll out next year."