Preparing for Change: How Retailers Can Adapt as Workplace by Meta Ends

Let’s explore what this change means for your retail operations, and how you can take proactive steps now to ensure continuity and improved collaboration.

Understanding the shift

Workplace by Meta has long served as a central communication and engagement hub for retailers around the globe. But with its closure scheduled for August 31, 2025, businesses must act swiftly to choose and implement new tools that will replace its functionality, without compromising on team performance or affecting their morale.

Reassess Your Business Needs (If You Haven’t Already)

If you haven’t already conducted an internal review of your current use of Workplace, now is the time. Focus on:

• Core features (e.g. messaging, groups, live video)
• Team workflows that rely on the platform
• Key integrations that might be affected

This analysis will then serve as the foundation for selecting a platform that genuinely meets your operational needs.

Three Essential Steps to Take Now

Here are three practical steps you can still take to make the most of the remaining transition window:

1. Deep-Dive Into Workplace Usage

• Map critical features – Identify which elements of Workplace are business-critical—these will inform your platform selection.
• Audit Integrations: Understand how deeply Workplace is embedded into your broader tech stack, including HR, operations, or scheduling systems.

2. Finalize Your RFI and Vet Vendors

• Prioritise your requirements – Use feedback from across the organization (store teams, field managers, HQ) to prioritize features.
• Engage with Vendors: Don’t hesitate to ask for use cases from similar retailers or request pilot access before committing.

3. Confirm and Execute Your Transition Plan

• Select a Platform – Choose a solution that not only matches your needs today but will also scale with you in the future.
• Confirm Partner Support – Choose a vendor that offers comprehensive onboarding, data migration assistance and robust customer support.

Your Transition Checklist

Once you have selected a new platform, you should ensure a smooth transition with these final steps:

• Plan your migration in stages and avoid a last-minute rush in August.
• Clearly explain the benefits of the new platform and provide regular updates.
• Work with your vendor to safely transfer conversations, files and history from Workplace.
• Run a pilot or phased rollout to troubleshoot and gather feedback before going live organisation-wide.

Keep Teams Engaged Throughout

Change management is as much about technology as it is about people. Encourage them to take a positive outlook  – highlight new features, create “champion” users to support the rollout and celebrate early wins to drive adoption.

Is it Time to Consolidate?

Many retailers are taking this opportunity to consolidate systems and streamline operations. If you’re using separate tools for messaging, task management and in-store communications, now may be the right time to bring them together.

Could Cegid Retail Store Excellence Be the Right Fit?

Cegid Retail Store Excellence is a global platform tailored to the needs of retailers, trusted by leading brands including Ferragamo, PetCo, PVH, Oliver Bonas and Brompton Bikes. It brings together in-store communication, task management, operational and visual merchandising compliance and performance tracking, in one easy-to-use system.

If you’d like to explore how Cegid can help you transition from Workplace by Meta with minimal disruption to future-proof your retail operations, request a call back today.

Read about what’s in store for retailers in 2025 !