JD Sports completes RFID rollout in Germany, hits 1,000-store milestone
JD Sports said its RFID programme went live in Germany this week, completing phase one and reaching 1,000 directly controlled stores launched in 14 months. Across the wider global group, 2,700 stores are now live out of 4,800, with roughly 192 stores added each month.
The retailer worked with brand partners to increase the share of products carrying RFID tags from about 40% to 73%, a figure that continues to grow. McGrath said the rollout required uncomfortable changes, challenging long‑standing ways of working and asking staff to rethink familiar processes. In‑country champions visited stores, stood alongside colleagues and helped turn the technology shift into operational change. He added that the growth in tagged products strengthens data opportunities for inventory visibility and customer experience. The 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards will feature RFID as a key focus area, with entries open and the ceremony set for 4 November 2026 at The HAC in Central London.
“1,000 stores directly launched in 14 months,” Dan McGrath, JD Group Customer Operations, JD Sports said.
“Working with its brand partners, JD Sports has also helped take RFID coverage from around 40% of product to 73%,” Dan McGrath, JD Group Customer Operations, JD Sports said.
Before Germany, JD Sports had already rolled out RFID to other directly controlled stores as part of phase one of its programme.
What we know
JD Sports launched 1,000 directly controlled stores with RFID in 14 months.
Across the wider global group, 2,700 stores are live out of 4,800, with about 192 stores added each month.
RFID coverage of products increased from around 40% to 73% through work with brand partners.
Germany is the final country to go live with RFID in JD Sports' phase one programme.
The RFID rollout focused on changing behaviours, processes and mindsets, supported by in‑country champions.