Chemist Warehouse IT delivery model holds strong as Australian retailer opens 14th store in Ireland

Evan Demangos, IT Store Developments Team Leader at Australian retailer Chemist Warehouse, has taken to social media to discuss IT delivery challenges around the opening of a new store in Ireland.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "What does it take to open a store 17,000 km away, with no boots on the ground and a ten-hour time difference? That was the challenge for our latest international store Chemist Warehouse Bray - our 14th store in Ireland. While fitout and operations are handled locally, all IT delivery was coordinated remotely from Australia. From planning to day one trade, our model holds strong."

He added: "Here’s what that looks like: Infrastructure roll-out delivered with trusted local vendors; All front of house and backend tech remotely provisioned and tested; Internet, payments and telephony services organised offshore; Key tech staged and shipped from Australia; Everything live and operational by go live."

"It works because of established processes, experienced coordination and regional partners like KFP Total IT Solutions and RFC Security Group. We’re proud to enable international launches like this - quietly, reliably and wherever they’re needed."

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

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

The awards, which are now open for entries, 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.