British retail co-operative Central Co-op has implemented Retail Insight’s new Prompted Markdown feature. The solution is part of the technology provider’s cloud-based WasteInsight software, which is deployed by seven of the regional British Co-operative Groups. With Prompted Markdown, Central Co-op can identify products near expiry, allowing the retailer to take action to minimise waste. Earlier this year, the feature was implemented by the Midcounties Co-op, with a rollout also planned for the East of England Co-op.
Central Co-op is one of the largest independent retail co-operatives in the UK, operating more than 450 stores. The retailer has been using Retail Insight’s waste reduction software since 2021 to reduce food waste. The software provider’s new feature automatically identifies products near expiry, alerting staff members and pinpointing products that require timely action. The solution eliminates the need for time-consuming manual checks and improves the productivity of in store teams.
Prompted Markdown works hand in hand with dynamic markdowns, enabling Central Co-op to take a data-driven approach to more of its waste journey, further improving operational efficiency and minimising excessive markdowns. “WasteInsight has revolutionised our approach to markdowns and waste reduction, allowing us to optimise our operations and improve sustainability,” says Ben Grove, Senior Operational Excellence Manager at Central Co-op.
British co-operatives trust in Retail Insight
Central Co-op is one of many UK co-operatives working with Retail Insight. Since 2021, the East of England Co-op has been using the software provider’s solutions to tackle food waste and manage product availability across the retailer’s estate through WasteInsight and AvailabilityInsight. This regional organisation is now planning to add the Prompted Markdown feature.
In March of this year, Your Co-op, which is operated by The Midcounties Co-operative, also rolled out Prompted Markdown to further reduce waste. “We believe this development will not only help us reduce the amount of food going to landfill but will also give our colleagues more time to do the things they would rather be doing, spending time engaging with, and serving our customers and members,” said Jordan Clement, Head of Supply Chain at Midcounties Co-op.
