JD Sports updates on RFID programme as Germany goes live and 1,000 stores milestone is reached
Dan McGrath, JD Group Customer Operations, JD Sports, has taken to social media to provide an update on the retailer’s RFID programme, which involves various countries and thousands of stores.
In a LinkedIn post, McGrath said: “This week, our final country goes live with RFID, Germany. And with that, everything we directly control will be live for phase one of our RFID programme. When I look back at what we’ve achieved, the numbers are pretty incredible: 1,000 stores directly launched in 14 months. And across the wider global group, working alongside our counterparts around the world: 2,700 stores live out of 4,800 in that same period, 192 stores a month!”
He added: “But the numbers only tell part of this story. RFID isn’t just about scanners, tags and technology. It’s about changing behaviours, processes and mindsets. We’ve done things that were uncomfortable. Challenged established ways of working. Asked people to rethink processes they’d used for years. And, most importantly, brought people with us on the journey. And we haven't done that alone.”
Working with its brand partners, JD Sports has also helped take RFID coverage from around 40% of product to 73% and that number continues to grow as more brands recognise the potential RFID offers across their own retail formats and supply chains.
“The more products that carry that digital identity, the more powerful the data and the opportunity becomes for stores, supply chains, inventory visibility and ultimately the customer experience. But none of this happens because of just technology. It happens because of people. I’m incredibly proud of my small but hugely impactful team. The commitment, energy and determination you’ve shown throughout this roll-out has been exceptional,” McGrath commented.
“And a massive thank you to our in-country champions, the people who visited stores, stood alongside colleagues, solved problems, supported teams and helped turn a technology roll-out into real operational change. You were the ones who helped make it stick.”
McGrath concluded: “From the first proof of concept to thousands of stores now operating with RFID, and from 40% to 73% of products tagged, this has been one hell of a journey. Germany, you’re up. One more country. One more milestone.”
2026 RTIH Innovation Awards
RFID 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.
