JD Sports Implements RFID Inventory Management Across 1,000 Stores

JD Sports Fashion is accelerating its digital transformation by implementing RFID inventory management technology across its global store network. Following a successful pilot in late 2024, the retailer has shiftd into a full-scale SaaS (Software as a Service) rollout, with plans to bring approximately 1,000 stores live across Europe and North America by the conclude of 2026.

The UK-based sporting goods giant has partnered with Checkpoint Systems to deploy the ItemOptix™ platform. This technology utilizes radio waves to track individual items with high precision, enabling JD Sports to maintain real-time inventory visibility. Early data from the pilot phase revealed a 12% increase in on-shelf availability and a 20% improvement in restocking speed, with a 95% increase in “items found” during stock counts.

Supporting omnichannel operations

The RFID rollout is a cornerstone of JD’s “Beyond Physical Retail” strategy. As consumers increasingly demand seamless “Click-and-Collect” and “Ship-from-Store” options, inventory precision has become essential.

By the conclude of 2025, the initial phase brought over 400 stores live in the UK and Ireland. The implementation is now expanding into mainland Europe and the United States, supported by RFID “tunnel” solutions already operational in JD’s major distribution centres in the UK and the Netherlands.

RFID Streamlines Inventory Management

Traditional manual stock counts are notoriously time-consuming and prone to human error. With ItemOptix™, store associates can complete inventory audits in a fraction of the time. The software’s SDK (Software Deployment Kit) enabled JD Sports to integrate RFID functionality directly into their existing operational store apps, ensuring a smooth transition for staff.

The deployment positions JD Sports at the forefront of retail technology as the company integrates its inventory systems with Agentic Commerce platforms. Last week at the NRF Big Show, JD announced plans to enable direct, one-click purchases through AI platforms like Gemini and ChatGPT – a shift that depconcludes on the 99% stock accuracy the RFID system provides.

About Checkpoint Systems

Checkpoint Systems, a division of CCL Industries, is a global leader in RFID and loss prevention solutions for the retail indusattempt. With over 50 years of expertise, the company provides an conclude-to-conclude technology ecosystem—ranging from high-performance RFID inlays to its proprietary SaaS platform, ItemOptix™. Checkpoint specializes in transforming retail operations by delivering real-time inventory visibility and supply chain agility. Its partnership with JD Sports aims to achieve near-perfect inventory accuracy, improving the customer experience across both physical and digital channels.

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