How Capri Group is future-proofing retail operations through inventory intelligence

Retail remains a demanding market, but Capri is approaching it with investment and confidence. The group is opening new stores, renovating existing ones, and introducing updated concepts for its brands. Beyond Italy, Capri is also exploring new markets such as Morocco, where consumer demand and economic growth are creating opportunities. 

A Vision for the Future

For COO Marco Buono, the future of retail is about more than physical presence. “In the past decade, the market was focused on lowering prices. After COVID, things changed. Customers are looking for higher-quality products, and sustainability is becoming essential. At Capri, we began this journey three years ago, and this year we will receive our first sustainability certification, even before it is mandatory in Italy.” 

Stores themselves are evolving as well. Rather than warehouses filled with stock, Capri envisions them as experiential spaces, supported by technology and omnichannel capabilities. If a product is not in-store, it can be shipped directly to the customer. “The shop must be an experience, not just storage,” Buono emphasizes. 

Our solution

From challenge to change

To support this vision, Capri needed to address a long-standing issue: inventory accuracy. Before implementing RFID, Capri relied on hard tags and annual stock counts performed by an external company. Accuracy was low, and the consequences were significant. During key sales moments like Black Friday, online orders often had to be cancelled because systems showed items in stock that were not physically available. 

Capri decided to act decisively. They selected Nedap as a partner and adopted a store-first approach to RFID implementation, focusing directly on the sales floor, where the impact on both profitability and customer experience is greatest. 

Capri decided to act decisively. They selected Nedap as a partner and adopted a store-first approach to RFID implementation, focusing directly on the sales floor, where the impact on both profitability and customer experience is greatest. 

Fast and Effective Roll-Out

The decision proved to be the start of a successful partnership. Within three months of starting the project, Gutteridge stores were live with RFID. The rollout, divided into phases, provided valuable lessons that accelerated the Alcott implementation. In less than ten months, Capri is on track to transform its entire store network, powered by advanced real-time RFID technology. The results speak for themselves.

Improving Experiences for Customers and Employees

RFID is also reshaping the day-to-day experience of customers and employees. Shoppers now reliably find the products they want, while RFID is enabling future innovations such as RFID-based EAS systems and self-checkout in new stores. 

Employees, meanwhile, have embraced the technology. “Normally, with new software, you face problems. This time, there were none. Our store staff finds iD Cloud easy to use, and every request ‘Can we do this, can we see that?’ is answered with ‘Yes’. It’s clear the platform was built around the needs of people working in retail, making their daily tasks simpler and more effective.” Buono explains. 

Investing with Confidence

For Capri Group, RFID has become more than a technological project; it is a foundation for growth and a symbol of renewed confidence. The company continues to invest in store development, supported by daily sales results and growing demand from B2B partners. 

As Buono concludes: “RFID has given us confidence to invest again. When customers and partners request your products every day, you know you are on the right path.”