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 moved 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 end of 2026.
The UK-based sporting goods giant has partnered with Checkpoint Systems to deploy the ItemOptix™ platform. This technology uses radio waves to track individual items with high precision, enabling JD Sports to maintain real-time inventory visibility. Early data from the pilot phase showed 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 end 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 move that depends 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 industry. With over 50 years of expertise, the company provides an end-to-end 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.
