Central Co-op, Lincolnshire, Midcounties co-operatives tap SymphonyAI Connected Retail platform

SymphonyAI reports that Central Co-op, Lincolnshire, and Midcounties co-operatives have deployed its Connected Retail platform in a bid to modernise operations, localise assortments, and enhance the member experience across more than 700 stores serving over 1.3 million shoppers.

Using generative and predictive AI, this delivers real-time intelligence across inventory management, shelf execution, and supply chain operations.

“With SymphonyAI’s range and space planning, we can quickly adjust our assortments to meet changing member shopper preferences while automating labour intensive tasks to allow our teams to focus on delivering exceptional service,” says Jacob Isherwood, CIO, Midcounties Co-op.

“Our priority is to keep shelves stocked with the right products, reduce waste, and minimise overhead costs. With SymphonyAI’s platform, we’re able to enhance our operational efficiency and meet the evolving needs of our shoppers,” says Steve Leach, COO, Lincolnshire Co-op.

“As a member owned business, our shoppers’ needs and preferences take top priority. With SymphonyAI’s connected retail platform, we have seamlessly integrated operations, ensuring shoppers are presented with the optimum range and high on-shelf availability,” comments Selina Butterfield-Mashoofi, Chief Finance and Technology Officer, Central Co-operative.

“The UK is a strategic growth market for us, and AI - especially generative AI - is at the heart of how we’re helping retailers unlock new value,” says Manish Choudhary, President, Symphony Retail CPG. “Our platform empowers real-time, intelligent decision-making that goes far beyond automation. It transforms complexity into opportunity - with measurable results for both retailers and shoppers.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

Deadline for submissions is Friday, 5th December. It’s free to enter and you can do so across multiple categories.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January.