Shell Chooses RELEX for Automated Convenience Retail Planning

Global energy company Shell has selected AI-driven solutions from RELEX Solutions to streamline its convenience retail planning. The implementation will cover store forecasting, replenishment, and fresh ordering across the UK Mobility & Convenience network.

The partnership marks a significant step towards automating convenience retail planning for one of the world’s largest energy companies. With over 550 stores operating under various banners in the UK, Shell aims to improve its operational efficiency and customer experience through centralized, automated planning models.

RELEX Solutions will provide capabilities that enable store teams to generate order proposals at the store level, taking into account factors such as fresh product lifecycle, promotional demand, and weather-driven sales patterns. These proposals can then be accessed and reviewed directly through the RELEX mobile replenishment solution, allowing for adjustments before orders are confirmed.

The connected approach offered by RELEX provides central teams with visibility and control while preserving store-level flexibility. This is expected to reduce waste, improve availability, and free up staff time for higher-value work.

Janine Albrecht Webb, UK General Manager of Shell Mobility & Convenience, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: ‘RELEX gives us the tools to plan smarter across our UK convenience network.’

The implementation’s success hinges on RELEX’s ability to integrate AI-driven forecasting and replenishment capabilities seamlessly into Shell’s existing operations. Mikko Kärkkäinen, Co-founder and Group CEO at RELEX Solutions, noted that this integration is crucial for delivering value quickly: ‘Speed matters in a network like Shell’s… We’re able to get them live and deliver value far faster than a transformation of this scale would normally take.’

The partnership between Shell and RELEX marks an important milestone in the adoption of AI tools for businesses. By leveraging these technologies, companies can streamline their operations, improve customer experience, and drive growth.