Kingfisher taps Fluent Commerce OMS tech, starting with B&Q roll-out

Kingfisher is to deploy Fluent Commerce’s Order Management System (OMS), with the aim of supporting the Group’s online retail business and enhancing customer experience. 

The solution will first be rolled out at B&Q.

Integrating the new platform with the latter’s existing architecture is being led by Valtech in collaboration with Kingfisher Group, with deployment first taking place in the UK.

Sienne Veit, Group Digital Product and Platform Director at Kingfisher, says: “We’re focused on improving the online experience for our customers and are continuously looking for innovative ways to make sure shopping with us is quick and easy.”

“By deploying Fluent Order Management, we will be able to have a consistent view of our inventory meaning we can be much more agile in response to our customers’ needs.”

Chris Daplyn, Managing Director at Valtech, comments: “We are thrilled to be working in close partnership with Fluent Commerce to support Kingfisher in transforming the way they view inventory and fulfil orders.”

“This new capability, which will firstly roll out at B&Q, will improve eCommerce experience, delivering tangible business value and, importantly, providing a large sustainability improvement as well.”

Rob Shaw, SVP Global Sales at Fluent Commerce, says: “B&Q and Kingfisher are major brands in the home improvement sector so naturally we are very excited to help them accelerate their order fulfilment strategy.”

“We believe that our solution will provide them with the real time inventory visibility and flexibility that they’re looking for.”

2022 RTIH Innovation Awards

B&Q has been shortlisted in the Most Innovative UK Retailer category at the 2022 RTIH Innovation Awards.

Boots UK & Ireland, Currys, Marks and Spencer, Tesco, and The Very Group are also in the running for the award.

B&Q made the cut for being at the forefront of cutting-edge 3D visualisation, planning, and design technology. In 2022, it announced the largest and most comprehensive roll-out of 3D home improvement design experiences in the market today.

It didn’t just deploy an app or service. It designed and deployed an entire 3D strategy that aligns with changing consumer behaviour.

It lays claim to being the first retailer to move away from an incumbent software solution that the industry has been using since the 1980s to a single SaaS-based kitchen design platform for consumers and stores alike.

The benefit is a comprehensive and seamless kitchen design experience that puts customers at the centre. The initiative also includes a 3D kitchen, bathroom, and storage planner with virtual reality capabilities in addition to a series of mobile 3D product configurations.

The winner in the Most Innovative UK Retailer category will be revealed at an exclusive event in central London on Tuesday, 6th December.

RTIH Editor, Scott Thompson, says: “Innovation and technology play a critical role in the success of the retail sector, so it is great to recognise standout examples through our awards.”

“Thanks to all those who have entered the 2022 event. We received a record number of submissions and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.”

“I’m now looking forward to deciding the winners with our judging panel and announcing them at our central London event in December.”