HomeBase USA opts to deploy Simbe store intelligence technology chain wide following pilot success
Homebase USA is expanding its roll-out of the Tally robot and Simbe’s suite of solutions to stores across Texas, Wyoming, Kansas and Missouri following a pilot that reduced pricing errors by 92%, lowered controllable out-of-stocks by 58%, brought total out-of-stocks below 1%, and shortened annual physical inventories from three days to less than one.
Operating stores with extensive assortments across farm, ranch, building supplies, hardware, seasonal, and everyday essentials requires consistent execution at the shelf. For the rural communities and small towns that HomeBase serves, when an essential item is out of stock, the nearest alternative can be far away. With continuous visibility into shelf conditions, the retailer’s teams can identify and resolve issues before they affect customers. For shoppers in these markets, Tally will also be the first encounter with a robot.
"Strengthening how we operate across every store makes it even better to work and shop at HomeBase," says Joel McLiney, Owner and CEO at HomeBase. "Simbe helped our teams focus on what matters most each day, and the results gave us confidence to introduce Tally to all our stores in less than three months."
“Instead of spending time searching for problems, our teams start each day knowing exactly where to focus,” says Tim Blakesley, Store Manager at HomeBase. “That means more time helping customers and making life easier for associates.”
“One of the things that impressed us most about HomeBase was how effectively its leadership inspired adoption,” says Negar Ballard, Senior Director of Sales at Simbe. “They built new operating habits that quickly prioritised associate time, helping delight shoppers and realise value across the business.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
Store intelligence will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.
The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.
Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.
Check out our 2025 winners here.
Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC 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.
