How Topps Tiles Transformed Store Execution with Cegid Retail Store Excellence
Limited Visibility Into Promotional Execution
Before implementing Cegid Retail Store Excellence, Topps Tiles faced challenges ensuring that products on promotion were merchandised accurately and consistently across its national store network. Although Area Managers were responsible for maintaining high store standards, inevitable gaps between store visits meant head office had limited real-time visibility into how promotions were being carried out. Store teams also lacked a clear, efficient way to demonstrate compliance.
“Some stores were fantastic at bringing promotions to life, while others needed more support,” explained Sarah Kite, Retail Support Manager at Topps Tiles. “The problem was visibility. We couldn’t see in real time what was happening on the shop floor, and our reporting process using Excel spreadsheets was incredibly time-consuming. Now, with Cegid Retail Store Excellence, we can see what’s working and share best practice across the business.”
Digitising Store Processes for Greater Efficiency
With Cegid Retail Store Excellence, Topps Tiles has been able to digitise and automate key store processes, from task management to photo validation and promotional compliance. Store teams can now submit visual proof of merchandising directly via the app, giving Area Managers instant oversight and eliminating hours of admin and manual reporting.
“The solution has transformed the way we work,” continued Sarah. “Area managers now spend more time in stores supporting teams, rather than chasing spreadsheets and photos. Store colleagues also love it, because it gives them the tools and structure to do a great job, and the recognition for doing it well. The launch was one of the smoothest we’ve ever had, and it’s already making a tangible difference to how we operate.”
Real-Time Visibility and Better Store Support
Improved visibility and significantly reduced admin have enabled Area Managers to focus more on coaching store teams and driving sales performance, especially during peak promotional periods such as Easter and autumn, when customer demand is highest.
By simplifying compliance checks and centralising task communication, the platform has also helped store teams act faster and in a more consistent way across all locations.
A Smooth and Highly Successful Rollout
The solution went live in March 2025 following a successful pilot in a group of Welsh stores. Cegid provided structured rollout support and planning, while allowing Topps Tiles to retain full control of the implementation, an approach that helped deliver what Sarah described as “the best stores launch we’ve ever had.”
Alan Holcroft, UK & Northern Europe Country Manager at Cegid, commented, “Working with Topps Tiles has been a fantastic collaboration. They had a clear vision for how to raise standards and make life easier for their store teams, and they’ve executed that vision brilliantly.”
Measurable Business Outcomes
Topps Tiles reports that Cegid Retail Store Excellence has:
- Reduced the time required for compliance checks and store reporting
- Enabled faster resolution of in-store issues
- Improved consistency and customer experience across all locations
- Increased job satisfaction by making tasks clearer, more achievable and more rewarding
Looking Ahead: Building a More Connected Store Network
While the initial deployment focused on core task management, Topps Tiles plans to extend its use of the platform to include advanced reporting and internal communications tools such as the in-app newsfeed. The solution will also support the integration of newly acquired stores following the brand’s purchase of 30 CTD locations earlier this year.
“Although we started small to make sure everything was perfect, the system’s potential is huge,” added Sarah. “It’s already helping us deliver a consistent brand experience wherever our customers shop, and the next phase will be about using its insight and communications features to make stores and teams even more connected.”
