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In a landmark move to accelerate digital innovation across Northern Europe’s retail sector, Finnish retail giant Kesko has entered into a multi-year strategic partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Announced on August 20, 2025, the collaboration marks one of the largest IT service agreements in Kesko’s history, aimed at modernizing its operations through artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and intelligent automation.
The partnership is part of Kesko’s broader transformation strategy to enhance customer experience, streamline supply chains, and build a future-ready retail ecosystem. TCS will serve as one of Kesko’s primary technology partners, alongside CGI, Elisa, Futurice, Nitor, and Fujitsu.
Key Highlights from the Strategic Agreement
- Kesko signs multi-year IT service agreements with TCS and other partners
- TCS to lead AI-powered transformation across Kesko’s retail divisions
- Scope includes application management, SAP services, cybersecurity, and user support
- Partnership supports Kesko’s €16 billion retail footprint across eight countries
- Focus on building agile, secure, and scalable digital infrastructure
AI as the Cornerstone of Retail Reinvention
At the heart of the partnership is a commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence to drive operational efficiency and personalized customer engagement. TCS will deploy its AI-powered retail solutions to help Kesko optimize inventory, reduce waste, and deliver tailored experiences across physical and digital channels.
- AI will be used to personalize loyalty app recommendations and e-commerce search
- Predictive analytics to improve demand forecasting and product placement
- Intelligent automation to streamline backend operations and reduce manual overhead
- Composite AI architecture to ensure cost-effective, secure, and scalable deployment
Digital Infrastructure and Cloud Integration
Kesko’s transformation plan includes a shift to modular, cloud-based platforms that support real-time decision-making and cross-functional collaboration. TCS will assist in integrating these systems across Kesko’s grocery, building, technical, and car trade divisions.
- Cloud migration to enable faster rollouts of new services and features
- Data platforms to unify insights across retail chains and partner networks
- Enhanced cybersecurity protocols to protect customer and operational data
- Scalable infrastructure to support future expansion and innovation
Customer Experience and Omnichannel Strategy
The partnership aims to elevate Kesko’s customer experience through omnichannel commerce and experiential retail. TCS will help implement unified commerce platforms that allow seamless transitions between online and offline shopping, supported by AI-driven personalization.
- TCS OmniStore to unify digital and physical retail environments
- Hyper-personalization tools to boost customer lifetime value and loyalty
- Real-time engagement through mobile apps, kiosks, and smart checkout systems
- Integration of feedback loops to continuously refine customer journeys
Strategic Vision and Industry Impact
Kesko’s leadership has emphasized the importance of technology in maintaining competitiveness and delivering value to customers and partners. With TCS as a core transformation partner, Kesko aims to become a forerunner in digital retail across Northern Europe.
- Kesko’s CIO describes the initiative as the largest IT transformation in company history
- CFO highlights the role of strategic partnerships in sustaining growth and agility
- The collaboration sets a benchmark for retail modernization in the region
- Other retailers may follow suit in adopting AI-led transformation models
Looking Ahead
As the partnership unfolds, Kesko and TCS will work closely to implement phased rollouts of new systems and services. The transformation is expected to span several years, with measurable improvements in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and digital maturity. For TCS, the deal reinforces its position as a global leader in AI-powered retail solutions and strengthens its footprint in the European market.
Sources: Kesko Corporation official announcement, Rediff MoneyWiz, Tata Consultancy Services press release, McKinsey Retail Insights.
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