Integration Update 28/05
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Published 28 May 2026 in Our New Society
Welcome to this week’s integration update.
On Wednesday 20 May, we successfully launched our proof of concept EPOS Food store at The Lakes in Worcester, marking an important milestone in bringing together our systems and technologies across the business.
The Lakes opened on time at 7am, supported by new tills, self-checkouts, back-office computers, card machines and hand-held terminals. This enabled the introduction of the Lichfield GOLD POS system into a Warwick store environment for the first time.
Store colleagues have responded positively to the change and have embraced the new ways of working with a strong and constructive attitude. They will continue to be actively supported throughout the transition period by colleagues from Lichfield stores and Support Service teams.
This proof of concept has been a fast-paced and highly collaborative piece of work, involving colleagues from across most areas of the business. Teams have worked together to test processes, manage system change, support colleagues, and minimise disruption for members, customers and operational partners.
A small number of issues were identified and resolved on the day. Key learnings included the setup and management of ESELs (electronic shelf edge labels), which has now been resolved, and Quick Commerce, where account migration complexities remain under investigation.
The proof of concept is already providing valuable insight into how different technologies can operate together, where direct comparisons can be made, and how we respond quickly when challenges arise. The learning from The Lakes will help shape the approach for future pilot stores and inform planning for the wider integration of the Food business and its supporting systems.
Listening groups at Warwick & Lichfield
As we continue through this period of change, a reminder that our upcoming Listening Groups are still taking place:
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10th June – Warwick Support Centre – Board Room
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17th June – Lichfield Support Centre – Emmanual Merchant
These sessions are an opportunity for colleagues to share feedback, raise questions and help us understand what is working well, where there are concerns, and what further support may be needed as integration activity continues.
Thank you to everyone involved for the hard work, pace and commitment shown in delivering this important milestone on time and with minimal disruption.
Phil Ponsonby, CEO Integration