UK retailer Topps Tiles taps Cegid Retail Store Excellence platform, wraps store wide roll-out
Topps Tiles has completed the roll-out of Cegid Retail Store Excellence, a task management and retail operations platform, across its 297 stores in the UK.
Before implementing the solution, it faced challenges ensuring that product on promotion was merchandised accurately and consistently across its store network.
Whilst it does have area managers responsible for store standards, there is an inevitable delay between store visits, leaving head office with limited visibility into how promotions were being executed and store teams without a clear way to demonstrate compliance.
“Some stores were fantastic at bringing promotions to life, while others needed more support,” says Sarah Kite, Retail Support Manager at Topps Tiles.
“The problem was visibility. We couldn’t see in real time what was happening on the shop floor, and our reporting process using Excel spreadsheets was incredibly time consuming. Now, with Cegid Retail Store Excellence, we can see what’s working and share best practice across the business.”
Using Cegid Retail Store Excellence, Topps Tiles says it has been able to digitise and automate key store processes, from task management to photo validation and promotional compliance. Store teams can now submit visual proof of their merchandising via the app, giving area managers instant oversight and freeing up time previously spent on admin and manual reporting.
“The solution has transformed the way we work,” says Kite. “Area managers now spend more time in stores supporting teams, rather than chasing spreadsheets and photos. Store colleagues also love it, because it gives them the tools and structure to do a great job, and the recognition for doing it well. The launch was one of the smoothest we’ve ever had, and it’s already making a tangible difference to how we operate.”
By improving visibility and reducing the time spent on compliance reporting, area managers have been able to focus on driving sales performance during peak promotional periods such as Easter and autumn, when consumer demand is highest.
While the deployment initially focused on core task management functionality, Topps Tiles plans to expand its use of Cegid Retail Store Excellence to include advanced reporting and internal communications tools such as the in-app newsfeed. The platform will also support the integration of newly acquired stores following the purchase of 30 CTD locations earlier this year.
“Although we started small to make sure everything was perfect, the system’s potential is huge,” adds Kite. “It’s already helping us deliver a consistent brand experience wherever our customers shop, and the next phase will be about using its insight and communications features to make stores and teams even more connected.”
Alan Holcroft, UK & Northern Europe Country Manager at Cegid, says: “Working with Topps Tiles has been a fantastic collaboration. They had a clear vision for how to raise standards and make life easier for their store teams, and they’ve executed that vision brilliantly.”
“Cegid Retail Store Excellence is designed to make operational management more efficient, bring structured communication between head office and stores and finally ensure consistent brand standards and compliance across all stores, and Topps Tiles is a great example of this in action.”
2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS
Physical stores were a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.
We received a record number of entries and many fantastic examples of the continued resilience and dynamism of the retail space during hugely challenging times.
For a full rundown of all of the shortlisted entries, click here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC in Central London on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.
In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”
“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”
He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”
Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.
Continue reading…