Independent retailer ITS taps into new shopping experience with integration of store into its DC

Tool retailer ITS has relocated its Harlow store to a larger location to accommodate a new shopping experience.

Featuring a “Shop-in-Shop” format with dedicated areas for brands like DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Festool, amd Bosch, the store at DC One, Edinburgh Way, Harlow, offers a much larger space just two minutes away from its previous location at Ascent Park.

Unlike traditional trade counters, it offers a retail experience where customers can see, touch, and feel more than 6,000 products before purchasing. The store offers a range of products to suit both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts. 

Customers can explore the likes of power tools, hand tools, workwear, garden tools, fixings, accessories, storage solutions, ladders, and site equipment - all readily available in-store, with expert advice on hand to help them find exactly what they need.

Now integrated into the company’s main distribution centre, the new location ensures customers have access to a massive stockholding, making it very rare for items to not be in stock and ready to take away. 

Paul Hubbard, Director at ITS, says: "This isn’t just a bigger store - it’s a completely new way to shop for tools. We’ve created a hands-on experience where customers can explore top brands in their own dedicated spaces. Plus, being part of our main distribution centre means we have unbeatable stock availability."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Physical stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, 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. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.