Vista was selected as the partner of choice for the a leading travel retailer in the UK, to modernise its network infrastructure across 635 stores. By replacing legacy copper connections with fibre and implementing a robust SD-WAN solution, we laid the foundation for future-ready connectivity and enhanced customer experience.
The Objective
Our customer aimed to modernise its network infrastructure across 635 stores by replacing outdated copper connections with fibre and enabling SD-WAN capabilities. This transition was critical to support their digital transformation strategy, improve connectivity, and enhance operational resilience across a diverse estate.
With increasing reliance on cloud-based services, omnichannel retail, and real-time data, they needed a network that could scale, perform reliably, and adapt to future demands. Their legacy infrastructure was no longer fit for purpose – posing risks to performance, customer experience, and long-term growth.
Recognising the complexity of the task, the retailer approached Vista to lead the transformation. Vista’s proven expertise in large-scale, multi-site rollouts and its ability to deliver bespoke, agile solutions made us the ideal partner.
The objective was clear: deliver a future-proof network tailored to each store’s unique environment, with minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.
The Project Challenges
Delivering a fibre upgrade across the customer’s diverse estate posed significant logistical and technical hurdles:
Complex Environments:
Stores were located in a wide range of settings, from heritage-listed high street buildings, to high-footfall transport hubs such as airports, railway stations, and bus terminals. Each location came with its own set of structural limitations, regulatory requirements, and operational sensitivities. Listed buildings required careful planning to preserve architectural integrity, while transport hubs demanded strict compliance with safety and security protocols.
Strict Access & Safety Protocols:
Many sites operated within tightly controlled environments, meaning installations had to be scheduled during limited access windows, – often outside trading hours or during overnight slots. Safety regulations in transport hubs added further complexity, requiring coordination with site managers, security teams, and local authorities to ensure compliance and minimise disruption.
No One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Each store had unique connectivity requirements based on its layout, location, and operational needs. Vista conducted 799 individual site surveys to assess conditions and design bespoke solutions. This tailored approach was essential to ensure every store received a fit-for purpose network upgrade.
Stakeholder Coordination
The rollout required seamless collaboration between the customer’s internal teams, multiple Internet Service Providers, and Vista’s project managers and engineers. Aligning schedules, approvals, and technical specifications across such a large and diverse estate demanded agile project management and constant communication.
Despite these challenges, Vista’s flexible, scalable approach enabled a smooth and efficient rollout – store by store – delivering a future-ready network infrastructure with minimal disruption.
Vista’s Solutions
The Results
As a result of the network transformation project, the retailer now benefits from a modern, high-performance SD-WAN infrastructure across 635 stores. The upgrade from legacy copper to fibre has significantly improved connectivity, reliability, and scalability, laying the foundation for future digital initiatives. Each store now has a tailored, fit-for-purpose solution that meets its unique operational needs, whether in high street locations, listed buildings, or complex transport hubs.
What worked was the meticulous planning and agile execution. Vista’s ability to adapt to each store’s constraints – tight access windows, safety regulations, and structural limitations – ensured minimal disruption and maximum efficiency. The flexible pricing model and collaborative approach also helped the customers manage costs while achieving high-quality outcomes.
The success lies in the scale and precision of delivery: over 47,000 metres of category 6 cabling installed, 799 surveys completed, and 635 sites made SD-WAN ready. This project didn’t just meet expectations – it exceeded them, enabling the customer to future-proof its infrastructure and enhance customer experience. It’s a standout example of innovation, partnership, and execution at scale.
Connectivity across the estate is now faster, more reliable, and scalable, supporting WHSmith’s evolving operational and customer experience needs.
ESG Benefits
From a sustainability and ESG perspective, the project contributes positively by consolidating network hardware, reducing energy consumption through modern equipment, and minimising waste via efficient planning and reuse strategies. The improved infrastructure also supports digital tools that reduce paper usage and streamline logistics.
Long Term Benefits
The initiative delivers long-term business benefits by future-proofing the organisations infrastructure, enabling cloud-based services, and supporting omnichannel retail strategies. It also improves operational resilience and reduces downtime risk.
This project stands as a benchmark for how complex, large-scale transformation can be delivered with precision, innovation, and long-term value – making it a strong contender for recognition.
For more information, visit our IT Project Services page, or for tailored advice on modernising your network cabling into your current business strategy, contact one of our experienced team members today:
