Circle K taps RELEX Diagnostics to help improve store performance across European network

RELEX Solutions has expanded its collaboration with Circle K. RELEX Diagnostics will be implemented by the retailer to support the improvement of visibility into root causes of stockouts and increasing product availability.  

With over 4,800 stores operating under the Circle K brand in Europe, Circle K has a broad retail network offering fuel, electric vehicle charging stations, fresh food and beverages.

Since partnering with RELEX in 2016,  it has rolled out a unified set up for space planning and supply chain optimisation across its European business units. In addition to this, demand forecasting and replenishment will be implemented at Circle K and Couche-Tard in the US and Canada. 

With RELEX Diagnostics, Circle K will benefit from functionality that is integrated with the planning processes and offers detailed insights into the reasons for stockouts and spoilage. This includes root causing that spans end-to-end operations, indicating whether supplier performance is the main factor, for example, or if pack size is causing issues, or in-store balance corrections are affecting KPIs. 

With this information, RELEX can help Circle K understand the root causes and then focus on fixing those issues with the relevant parties. Circle K offers a variety of perishable and fast selling products, and with this added end-to-end visibility, it can take steps towards more precise management of inventory for improved KPIs. 

“As we continue to streamline our supply chain processes with RELEX, we are always seeking new ways to make improvements,” says Ole Christian Remen, Head of Supply Chain and Merchandising Support, Europe, Circle K. “This solution will allow us to achieve better alignment with our demand forecast to enhance our store performance and ultimately ensure that our customers always find the products they need when they visit Circle K.”

“We are pleased that Circle K continues to recognise our efforts to streamline their supply chain processes and provide value added functionalities,” says Tiina Kanninen, Vice President, Customer Success, RELEX Solutions.

“RELEX Diagnostics will provide them with the tools they need to be proactive and improve product availability in their stores. We look forward to supporting Circle K in the next phase of their journey.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Supply chain technology was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering.