#Finland #IT Services #Helsinki #CGI #Stockmann

CGI and Stockmann Forge Strategic Alliance

In an exciting development for the retail sector, CGI, a leading IT and business consulting firm, has announced a strategic partnership with Stockmann. This collaboration aims to enhance Stockmann's omnichannel customer experience, a crucial aspect of modern retail. The agreement, revealed recently, signifies an expansion of their current relationship, wherein CGI has acted as Stockmann's primary IT partner and advisor for several years.

Enhancing Customer Experience Through Digital Transformation

The core objective of this partnership is to bolster Stockmann's focus on customer-centricity and improve its omnichannel capabilities. This is particularly vital as consumers increasingly expect seamless interactions across various platforms. The partnership encompasses managed IT services and digital development that are integral to Stockmann's strategic roadmap.

Riku Lyly, Stockmann's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "Developing a seamless omnichannel customer experience is one of our key strategic priorities. To achieve this, our IT services must operate flawlessly, and our digital development must progress efficiently. Our collaboration with CGI supports this by combining business-driven development with modern technologies."

Leveraging Advanced Technologies

The partnership will enable Stockmann to tap into CGI's extensive experience in the retail space. This includes application management and the development of end-user services. Infused with modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), these services are designed to enhance both the speed and quality of digital service delivery.

Peter Jantunen, Vice-President of Retail Services at CGI, noted, "This agreement reflects the trust placed in CGI's ability to deliver business-critical IT services in the retail sector, supporting this targeted transformation. Our goal is to help Stockmann accelerate digital service development and achieve measurable business outcomes."

Furthermore, CGI aims to identify potential disruptions proactively through its DigiOps service, which leverages automation to ensure that service production remains smooth and efficient.

A Shared Vision for the Future

According to Janne Holli, Stockmann's Chief Technology Officer, the emphasis on digitalization and automation is central to advancing their customer-centric strategy. He articulated the company's goal to enhance its AI strategy, which is essential for supporting its business objectives. The selection of CGI as a partner hinged on its commitment to future development and ability to bring global expertise into Stockmann's operations.

Founded in 1976, CGI stands as one of the largest independent IT consulting firms globally. With a workforce of 94,000 consultants and specialists around the world, CGI provides a comprehensive range of services—stretching from strategic IT consulting to systems integration and managed IT and business process services.

Stockmann, established in 1862, is renowned for delivering high-quality selections in fashion, beauty, and home goods. The marketplace, also part of the Lindex Group plc, operates several department stores across Finland and the Baltics, along with an online presence.

This partnership embodies a shared vision for enhancing the retail landscape, blending CGI's technological prowess with Stockmann's retail heritage. As both companies move forward, they aim not only to elevate their operational efficiencies but also to set new standards within the retail sector, ensuring that customers receive the best possible experience across all touchpoints.

With this strategic alliance, CGI and Stockmann are poised to redefine the future of retail, harnessing technology to create more meaningful interactions that resonate with the modern consumer.