The four key takeaways from StoreSpace’s first grocery market session

Connecting retailers Worldwide

Hosted by Richard Burford, Head of Client Services here at StoreSpace Insights, the session was an opportunity for users to compare experiences, highlight challenges, and learn from each other. Retailers from the UK, Europe, North America and the Caribbean took part, including teams from Asda, Big Y, Booths, Grupo Ramos, Longo’s, Spar and Studenac, alongside StoreSpace® specialists and our partners from NIQ.

Takeaway 1: Wherever they are based and whatever their size, Grocers face a similar set of challenges

The attendees came from many different countries, with significant variations in both the size of their stores and overall store estates. Some have been StoreSpace® clients for many years, with our platform deeply embedded into their operations, while others have only recently completed their implementation.

Despite these differences, it was clear that everyone is facing the same challenges. One participant noted how useful it was to be able to reach out directly to peers and learn from one another. The Grocery Market Session showed the value of creating a space where retailers can share how they are using StoreSpace® in practice.

Takeaway 2: StoreSpace® has a significant, positive impact on In-Store teams, not just the Planners

One of the clearest benefits discussed was improved store engagement. Big Y in the US, for example, recently rolled out planogram access across its stores and has already received strong feedback from teams who appreciate being able to see the most up-to-date layouts themselves.

Longo’s in Canada described how their floor staff use StoreSpace® every day, not only to view planograms but also to pick up store change communications and confirm completion of tasks.

Retailers with larger estates also shared their gains. AF Blakemore & Spar, with 250 stores across England and Wales, explained that StoreSpace® has helped overcome the challenges of limited staffing on the shop floor. Planograms are now accessible in real time via StoreSpaceOnline back-office systems or tablets on the shop floor, saving time and reducing reliance on printed copies.

Booths and Asda, have found additional value from the system by using StoreSpace® to add data layers, supporting everything from fire safety equipment to security layouts.

Takeaway 3: There are still plenty of opportunities to further improve efficiency

Participants also spoke candidly about processes that could be improved through technology and automation. Several retailers raised the need for a simpler way to confirm planogram compliance, suggesting a single-click sign-off to make it easier for stores to confirm completion.

Others highlighted the desire for tighter integration with ordering systems, reducing the manual work involved in opening new stores or managing changes. For Longo’s and Big Y, being able to generate item-level order lists directly from planograms would be a major step forward.

There was also interest in expanding StoreSpace’s technical reach. Longo’s discussed the complexity of managing AutoCAD licensing across departments and suggested embedding AutoCAD functionality directly into StoreSpace®, or at least providing a simpler alternative.

Across the board, users praised our Store Insights tool, noting how it helps them reduce the number of planogram versions, identify profitable adjacencies, and spot seasonal opportunities through trend analysis.

Takeaway 4: Clients want more features, more functionality and more AI – but these need to have a purpose

The session also gave attendees a first look at exciting new updates planned in the StoreSpace® roadmap.

The upcoming release in November 2025 will introduce integration with Revit for 3D and 2D synchronisation, new fixture profile planning, and the next version of Store Insights with features shaped directly by client feedback.

By February 2026, users can expect to see the introduction of an AI-driven optimisation tool, a global message banner for store communications, and dynamic tables linked directly to drawings.

Further updates are planned for later in 2026, with StoreSpace® using client feedback to shape and prioritise our development roadmap.

Connecting Retail Planning, Compliance, and Execution

StoreSpace® plans to hold similar sessions annually, giving retailers a regular opportunity to exchange ideas and influence future developments. The conversations at this first session highlighted the practical benefits already being delivered, the challenges still to be addressed, and the exciting developments on the horizon.

For macro and micro space planners, the key message is simple: StoreSpace® is more than a platform for sharing planograms. It’s fast becoming a central tool to connect planning, compliance, and execution – helping retailers of all sizes make better decisions and deliver results faster.