CADS helps UK’s largest SPAR wholesaler AF Blakemore & Son evolve retail space planning processes

StoreSpace - retail space planning software from CADS - has helped the UK’s largest SPAR wholesaler AF Blakemore & Son transform its processes, leading to more optimised space planning, boosted operational efficiency and more informed decision-making backed with accurate data.

AF Blakemore is a family owned business, operating over 260 stores and supplying 900+. Prior to StoreSpace, it used individual flat CAD files and multiple different systems and processes for space planning, which was time-consuming and no longer fit for purpose.

It sought to streamline operations, centralise store data and gain additional insights into store planning, so enlisted the help of retail space planning expert CADS – and its intuitive StoreSpace software.

“StoreSpace has provided AF Blakemore with an easy-to-use planning platform which eliminates many of the sticking points the company previously experienced. The whole business now enjoys easy access to a comprehensive, up-to-date data repository, coupled with a more streamlined and efficient process,” says Richard Burford, Customer Success Specialist at CADS.

StoreSpace allows space planning teams to plan category space for boosted profitability. Plus, it can be integrated with planograms for a fully optimised space planning process.

One of the biggest transformational changes StoreSpace facilitated for AF Blakemore was access to a comprehensive repository of integrated macro and micro space data.

StoreSpace works seamlessly with Nielsen IQ’s my.Spaceman micro space planning software, and the integration of both technologies led to a more optimised store planning process.

The adoption also enabled teams across the business to obtain category location data, sales data and more. Also, it has saved time for head office planners and in-store implementation teams alike, resulting in an improvement in overall operational efficiency.

“The information that we’re now able to provide to the whole business in terms of space, and how our space strategy can be formulated going forward, is a huge step from where we were prior to StoreSpace®. I very much see it as a core tool,” says Nicola Hobson, Head of Category Development and Innovation at AF Blakemore & Son.

Collaboration and communication are also areas in which AF Blakemore has seen improvements, with StoreSpace’s two-way messaging service and intuitive block feature fostering improved communication and better store engagement.

And store insights – including sales reports and heat maps – have enabled AF Blakemore to make future space planning decisions informed by accurate data.

“StoreSpace has given us more information to make better decisions. We’ve now got so much more rich data to mine in terms of our store performance and the changes that we can and should be making. It’s led to better decisions and better store layouts,” Hobson adds.

AutoCAD-based StoreSpace software is used by retailers across the world - including Shell, Sainsbury’s and Primark - to help them optimise their physical retail space.

CADS also delivers a Customer Success Programme, which provides tailored training to help its clients get the most from the offering.

“As part of our ongoing training with AF Blakemore, we’ll be meeting with the team to provide additional support, ensuring they continue to get the best results from StoreSpace.”

“We’ve already seen excellent results and we’re looking forward to helping the business develop its space planning even further in the future,” concludes Burford.