The Hive Café is our online only, drop in conversation format. Join informal chats on community hot topics and priority lists. Share stories, ask questions and collaborate for sustained change with a group of trusted peers. As always with our Hive Cafés, come armed with a cup of coffee and an open mind.
Check out our upcoming schedule and get involved below!
Your Peer Group Is Your Secret Source – Closed Doors, Open Minds, Chatham House Rule Applies.
Improving inventory management & demand planning in complex
supply chains
20th February 2025 -12 pm (GMT)
Inventory management and demand planning are central to the success of any supply chain especially when dealing with the unique challenges presented by global operations, limited budges and fragmented systems. Effective demand planning requires precises data capture, forecasting tools and integrated communication channels but many organisations face hurdles such as outdated systems, lack of automation and inefficient internal processes.
Key discussion points will include communication and process alignment, data capture and tools for decision making, forecasting and automation integration, 3PL and logistics solutions, budget constraints and affordable innovations.
Navigating ERP Challenges and Replatforming
27th February 2025 -12 pm (GMT)
This digital café will provide retail technology leaders with an opportunity to explore the complexities and challenges of ERP upgrades and major re-platforming initiatives. Members of our community will share insight and experiences of how they have overcome the following challenges:
• How to Identify the primary retail businesses needs and customer expectations when planning ERP upgrades and major re-platforming efforts.
• How to streamline and simplify an often-time-consuming implementation process.
• Creating a robust technical roadmap that enables ERP integration with existing systems and data at speed whilst ensuring compatibility and data accuracy.
• What comprehensive training and change management strategies will help bring your team along on this transformation journey.
• What methods should be deployed to manage risks, minimize disruption, avoid unforeseen expenses.
Together our community will explore best practices for ensuring scalability, adaptability, and operational continuity during transformation.
Creating a seamless link between store and digital
6th March 2025 -12 pm (GMT)
Large retail businesses often encounter challenges in aligning in-store and eCommerce customer experiences. These issues, if unaddressed, create a disconnect that erodes customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• One major barrier is the lack of unified data systems, making it difficult to track customer behaviour across physical and digital channels. Fragmented customer systems can prevent retailers from creating customised experiences across platforms, frustrating customers who expect consistency and personalisation.
• A common barrier is the lack of real-time inventory synchronisation, leading to discrepancies between online availability and in-store stock which causes customer frustration.
• Additionally, logistical issues, such as delays in click-and-collect services or mismatched pricing, can disrupt the seamless connection between physical and digital shopping.
• Poor communication between siloed teams managing online and in-store operations can hinder the development of cohesive strategies, resulting in fragmented user experiences.
In these 60 minutes leaders defining technical, customer experience and instore strategy will gather to share experience of actions that have made a visible difference to customer happiness.
Lets Go Round Again: Circularity in Retail
6th March 2025 -12 pm (GMT)
Consumer interest in sustainable and circular retail solutions is growing steadily, which is complimented in growing investor and board member interest due to increased regulatory pressures. With many consumers already participating in parts of the circular economy i.e. reselling products, repairing or recycling there are multiple opportunities for retailers to scale these consumer practices while improving existing customer relationships and generating new revenue streams.
Emerging, fast growth brands who have embedded Eco consciousness into their core business foundations have had great success implementing circularity-focused projects whereas traditional retailers have influence over product design and manufacturing processes due to purchasing volumes. However, no retailer is completing circularity across the board and many are trying to establish what to prioritise first.
This café will cover changing consumer expectations, smart strategies and benchmarking.
The Power of Storytelling at Scale – Content Management, UGC and AI
10th April 2025 -12 pm (GMT)
Join us for an exclusive discussion, focusing on new challenges posed by Gen Z and Millennials, who will represent 70% of the retail market by 2025. With 31% of Tik Tok users aged 18 to 24, social media has become essential for engaging younger consumers. Luxury brands must carefully balance Gen Z’s demand for integration with technology and pop culture alongside Millennials’ expectation for authentic, meaningful experiences. However, intense competition often leads to a “sea of sameness,” weakening brand loyalty and differentiation.
The growing demand for always-on content is driving challenges for retailers who do not have the human and financial resources to produce and manage content at scale. We will discuss the innovative approaches, including the use of UGC, AI and productive relationships with creators by brands to circumvent these difficulties as well as how retail businesses are redefining and successfully quantifying storytelling activities to foster deeper connections and drive conversions across generations.
Buy or Build? Future-Proofing Customer Data Architecture in Retail
8th May 2025 -12 pm (GMT)
This digital café will bring together retail technology leaders to address the critical decision of whether to buy or build customer data architecture. The discussion will focus on navigating the complexities of selecting or creating systems that are adaptable to future needs, scalable for growth, and capable of delivering seamless customer experiences.
The Returns Series: Creating a Seamless Post Purchase Experience
5th June 2025 -12 pm (GMT)
Over 60 minutes we will unite our logistics and eCommerce hives together to discuss the methods retailers & brands are implementing to deliver a seamless and efficient returns journey, with a strong focus on customer experience in post-purchase. As customer expectations for hassle-free returns grow, both eCommerce and logistics teams are tasked with not only optimising operational efficiency but also with enhancing customer satisfaction through streamlined, reliable communication.
This meeting will explore how can returns become a key driver of customer loyalty and profitability — from the rise of tech-enabled solutions like, real-time monitoring to automated self-service portals and local carrier options — all designed to minimise delays, reduce handling costs, and ensure customer satisfaction. Our members will discuss the methods they are using to convert returns into revenue opportunities. Join us to come away with real world insights into how your peers are creating end-to-end experiences that benefits both the customer and the bottom line.