Case Study: Co-op achieves data-driven retail transformation with Microsoft Azure

Co-op rolls out data driven business transformation using SAP on Azure

Co-op, one of the UK’s largest consumer‑owned retailers with millions of weekly shoppers and a broad range of services, launched a four‑year retail transformation to modernize supply‑chain operations and become more data driven. The challenge was to centralize and analyze large volumes of customer and operational data securely while improving local store experiences and commercial performance—so Co-op chose to run SAP in Microsoft Azure.

By hosting SAP on Azure and using Power BI and Azure analytics, Co-op implemented real‑time depot time management, camera‑based shelf scanning and localized assortment insights, supported by a pay‑as‑you‑grow model and Microsoft‑managed security. The result is faster replenishment, reduced waste, tailored store assortments, improved cash flow and overall efficiency and quality across stores—delivering better customer experiences while preserving ethical data use.

Co-op