AI is dominating conversations across industries, and retail is no exception. From predictive analytics to automated stock alerts, technology is helping businesses become smarter and faster. But here’s the truth; AI doesn’t walk the shop floor.
Technology can support efficiency. But it cannot replace the real-world insight, adaptability, and care of a person physically present at the shelf edge.
What AI Can’t Do
Right now, AI cannot:
- Walk the warehouse to locate missing POS or products
- Unpack deliveries and ensure stock is correctly replenished
- Fix misaligned fixtures or identify store-specific display issues
- Offer anecdotal feedback from colleagues and customers
- Spot operational challenges that hinder implementation
These tasks still need people. At eXPD8, that’s where our 2,800 field merchandisers come in.
Real People, Real Solutions
Our people are on the ground every day, supporting stores nationwide. They don’t just follow a plan – they solve problems. Whether it’s spotting misplaced inventory, correcting an off-planogram shelf, or ensuring a new product is properly displayed, our colleagues make sure execution is not only completed, but completed right.
We invest heavily in making sure they can do that. Every merchandiser has access to clear training and briefing, so they can respond quickly to changing client needs. Our flexible working model means we can match the right skills to the right location, at the right time. And with real-time communication tools like Blink, our teams are always connected, supported, and informed.
Powered by Insight, Delivered by People
We believe the strongest retail execution blends smart data with skilled people. At eXPD8, we use real-time insights to plan routes, identify stock gaps, and prioritise in-store actions, ensuring our field teams arrive prepared and focused. This data-driven approach means clients benefit from faster problem-solving and better ROI — because our merchandisers know exactly where to go, what to do, and how to deliver the most value.
📹 Discover more about our data-led approach here.
Closing the Gap Between Plan and Performance
Execution is where the difference is made. No matter how advanced the planning tools or how accurate the forecast, it still takes motivated, skilled people to bring the shelf to life.
That’s why we recognise and reward great execution, from celebrating outstanding work internally to running incentives that drive results . Our colleagues know they’re valued, and that shows in the quality of work they deliver for clients.
At eXPD8, we combine the best of both. Smarter systems. Smarter people. Real results.
Because when it comes to closing the gap between planning and performance, people don’t just matter, they make the difference.
