AF Blakemore is extending its partnership with supply chain specialist Relex into its company-owned retail stores.
In 2023, the Spar wholesaler implemented the software at its distribution centres to automate forecasting and replenishment procedures across the fresh, ambient and frozen categories.
It is now bringing Relex’s planning capabilities into the retail side of the business, helping to unify in-store planning with wholesale and distribution, which will “boost product availability, minimise waste, and streamline operations”.
AF Blakemore added that by rolling out Relex’s AI-driven platform – which includes weather-aware forecasting, seasonal planning, and automated replenishment – across its 250 stores, it would enable staff to make faster and smarter decisions for promotion planning and effective clearance strategies.
The extension of the partnership is being supported by Relex’s partner Supply Chain Company.
“Our collaboration with Relex has already driven significant value in our distribution and wholesale operations,” said AF Blakemore supply chain director Marc Deakin.
“Extending this success into retail is a natural next step. Unified planning will not only improve availability and efficiency, it will also provide us with a toolkit to expand across our trade partner stores.”
Supply Chain Company director and founder Henk Jan Rijkse said: “We are thrilled to partner with AF Blakemore and Relex on this transformative project.
“By connecting supply chain and store-level planning, we see tremendous opportunities to unlock value. With our expertise in Spar implementations, we are confident in delivering tangible benefits, quickly together.”
Relex Solutions EMEA senior VP Jason Berry said: “AF Blakemore is a fantastic example of how a unified planning approach can transform convenience retail. “We’re proud to expand our partnership and bring integrated, AI-driven planning to more parts of their business, delivering measurable results every step of the way.”
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