Software gives Superdrug a makeover

Superdrug has selected new space and category management software as part of a five-year project to position itself as the leading fashion-led beauty and health retailer on the UK High Street.

The company will replace its existing space planning technology with software from specialist provider, JDA Software Group to optimise item assortment and store planning decision-making throughout the retailer's 913 stores.

Jeff Wemyss, Superdrug trading director, said: "Part of our plan to reposition ourselves as the UK's most fashion conscious beauty and health retailer means that we need to make our stores easier to shop for our customers and ensure that we have the right product mix for their beauty and health needs. JDA's analytical, consumer-centric solutions will enable us to do this."

Currently three years into its five-year repositioning programme, Superdrug anticipates that implementation of JDA's Efficient Item Assortment, Space Planning, Floor Planning and Intactix Knowledge Base modules will improve the look and merchandising layout of its existing store estate, while also supporting its strategic business objectives as it opens additional ones throughout the UK.

Having only recently licensed the software, Superdrug expects to complete its implementation within the next six months.

When deployed, the retailer said it is expecting the increased automation available through the demand-based application suite - including shelf assortment, planogram generator and space automation functionality - to reduce manual data processing requirements.

This automation will, in turn, allow the retailer to redeploy store-planning resources to activities more likely to grow new sales.

And the increased sales as a result of improved category management and space use will also facilitate faster speed to market through support for new and more focused brand launches, new store openings and store remodels.

At the same time, a reduction in inventory costs through targeted item assortment that adjusts to local demand will let Superdrug better match its product selection to customer demand across its estate.