In today’s dynamic retail environment, the challenge of achieving the “last 50 yards” has become more critical than ever. At eXPD8, we don’t just ensure products reach the shelves; we go beyond that. We’re creating a shopping experience that resonates with people, connecting brands and consumers in a meaningful way.
We’ve spent over 20 years perfecting the art of retail execution, and one thing we’ve learned is that success isn’t just about product placement—it’s about people. Our mission revolves around understanding human behaviour and bringing that insight to the point of sale. So, when we say “we get people in store,” it’s not just about foot traffic, but ensuring that every in-store moment is impactful.
So what does ‘we get people in store’ actually mean?
At eXPD8, our strategic principle “we get people in store” carries a deeper meaning. It’s a promise that reflects our holistic approach to retail execution, human connection, and social responsibility. Let’s break down what this means for those that matter most to eXPD8:
For our Retailers and Brands: We ensure that products don’t just reach the shelf— but are presented in a way that enhances engagement and drives sales. Our unique people-scheduling solution, advanced analytics, and density of people across the country, keep your products front and centre, ensuring that they are available, visible, and appealing when customers need them.
For Customers: We understand that modern consumers expect more than just a shopping trip; they want an experience, one that is easy to navigate and hassle-free. We ensure products and POS are consistent, visible and compliant to create in-store moments that truly resonate with customers, building loyalty and long-term embedded relationships between customers, brands and retailers.
For Employees: We focus on creating inclusive and rewarding employment opportunities, attracting and empowering individuals who drive the in-store experience. Our people-first approach ensures that employees are not just working—they are thriving, contributing to the success of your brand with passion and purpose.
For Communities: “We get people in store” is also about inclusion and connection. By offering meaningful job opportunities to individuals facing hardships, challenges or periods of change, such as those transitioning out of homelessness, incarceration, medical leave or those seeking to enter job markets for the first time, we’re committed to helping people rebuild lives. This approach intends to lift up local communities and making tangible social impact in and out of store.
How does all this translate in stores: right place, right time
We understand that retail success is all about timing and presence. Being in the right place at the right time is essential to meet customer needs, and that’s where eXPD8 excels. Our team are fully-employed, trained and equipped with tablets, to enable them to influence where it counts, and ensure that products are in the right place when shoppers are ready to purchase.
Our approach helps brands not only maintain stock but understand the real-time needs and behaviours of their customers. By continuously monitoring and optimising the retail space, we ensure that your products are ready to meet shifting consumer demands, leading to enhanced brand engagement and loyalty.
Utilising Innovation: Always Forward-Thinking?
At eXPD8, we use the latest innovations to drive everything we do. We keep up with the latest retail trends but our focus is in leading the way with people.. As the largest tablet-equipped mobile workforce in the UK we utilise technology to solve real-world challenges in retail, and we put that technology in the hands of great people, who make a real difference at the shelf edge.
From category management to POS displays, our solutions are designed to enhance product performance on the shop floor. Every tool we develop, and every system we integrate, is focused on making your in-store presence as effective as possible. After all, the ultimate goal is not just selling products—it’s creating memorable customer experiences.
Be Human: Putting People First
Retail today may run on data, but buying decisions are made by people. At eXPD8, we never forget the human element. By ensuring products and promotions are visible, available and compliant, we create personal connections between your brand and the customer.
But being human goes beyond the customer interaction—it’s a philosophy that guides our business. We believe in supporting each other, our clients, and our employees. As a company that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are committed to offering flexible, accessible, and meaningful employment opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background. This belief is central to our work and reflects our broader commitment to social responsibility.
Doing What’s Right: For People and the Planet
At eXPD8, we’re proud to stand for more than just business success. We’re dedicated to doing what’s right—for customers, our employees, and the world we all live in. Our ongoing commitment to social responsibility extends to our embedded responsibility to work with leading authorities, charities and the DWP, to provide flexible and meaningful jobs to those who need it most.
We don’t just provide employment; we create opportunities for people to rebuild their lives (find out more here). This dedication aligns with our four core values (Be Human; Be There; Be Forward-Thinking; Be Right) and underscores our role as a socially responsible leader in retail execution.
The Last 50 Yards: Done Right
Getting products to the shelf and into customers’ hands is the age-old challenge of retail selling, but that’s why eXPD8 exists. We know it isn’t just about physically getting people in store it’s about understanding those people in store, engaging with them in ways that foster long-term loyalty. Whether through real-time data insights, innovative in-store solutions, or our human-centric approach to service, we ensure that retail performance is optimized.
But the opportunity doesn’t lie solely in having the right, most advanced technologies or data insights. As eXPD8 Co-Founder, Mark Thurgood, explains:
“All too often you see narrative from various sources, extolling the benefits of the latest toy, AI, photo recognition, data mining, blockchain etc.. All of which is extremely important and will drive benefit. But next time you hear it, just step back and think about the last 50 yards. If it’s not on display you can’t sell it, regardless of how smart you have been in getting just the right amount to store, just in time. Challenge, those with the smart gizmos, ask them how they deliver the last 50 yards, how do they manage to execute in over 2,000 stores in one day, attaining 98%+ compliance. At eXPD8 we have 2,800 merchandisers covering the entire UK including Highlands and Islands. What we do is deliver and ensure your customers can access your products.”
With our decades of experience and a forward-thinking approach, eXPD8 is your trusted partner from the first step to the last 50 yards. We get people in-store, we deliver the last 50 yards, and we get results that matter.
Get in touch to find out more – hello@expd8.co.uk
