As retail media matures, the number of players in the UK market has rapidly grown. From supermarkets to fashion retailers, nearly every major retail group now operates its own Retail Media Network (RMN). These networks vary widely in maturity, capabilities, and strategic focus — but together, they represent one of the most vibrant and competitive advertising ecosystems in the country.
This article provides a practical guide to the key RMNs currently operating in the UK and highlights what advertisers need to know about each.
The grocery giants
Tesco Media & Insight (powered by dunnhumby)
One of the UK’s most advanced RMNs. Tesco’s offering includes onsite and offsite ad solutions, data clean room integrations via InfoSum, and strong loyalty data through Clubcard. It boasts the largest digital retail screen network in Europe and a growing CTV capability. Tesco also partners with GroupM and The Trade Desk.
Sainsbury’s Nectar360
Built on the foundation of the Nectar loyalty program, Nectar360 provides a robust omnichannel media proposition, including in-store, online, and offsite formats. CitrusAd powers its sponsored product ads, and its data capabilities span food, non-food, and general merchandise via Argos and Habitat.
LS Eleven Media Services (Asda Media Partnerships)
Partnered with SMG and CitrusAd, Asda’s RMN leverages loyalty card data for in-store and digital campaigns. The offering is evolving quickly, now including programmatic capabilities and omnichannel campaigns.
Morrisons Media Group
A newer entrant but scaling fast, Morrisons Media Group also partners with SMG and CitrusAd and is building its RMN with a strong focus on loyalty card data, digital screens, and instore radio.
Boots Media Group
Specialising in health and beauty, SMG’s Boots Media Group benefits from close ties with dunnhumby. It offers both online and in-store opportunities and has an established shopper database.
Co-op Media Network
A smaller-scale but pioneering player, Co-op launched the UK’s first convenience RMN with SMG. Its Compass platform enables offsite targeting using curated, ready-to-activate audiences.
General merchandise and department stores
John Lewis Partnership Media (Waitrose & John Lewis)
Combining two high-value audiences — department store and premium grocery — this RMN offers cross-category targeting and a growing range of omnichannel solutions.
M&S Media
An emerging RMN, M&S Media focuses on food and clothing. While still developing, it is seen as a high-potential platform thanks to brand strength and a loyal customer base.
Argos & Habitat (Nectar360)
Part of the Sainsbury’s ecosystem, these brands benefit from shared data and infrastructure, enabling general merchandise targeting alongside food.
Very Media Group
Relaunched in 2024 with SMG, Very Group’s RMN offers closed-loop measurement and offsite integration, targeting both endemic and non-endemic advertisers.
Online-only and pure-play retailers
Amazon Ads UK
The undisputed leader in spend and scale. Amazon’s offering includes sponsored products, display, video, and more, across both its retail and marketplace environment. It also provides advanced first-party data and targeting options.
eBay Ads UK
Focuses on unique shopper segments including value-driven and refurbished buyers. It supports promoted listings, marketplace ads, and offsite targeting.
Ocado Retail Media
Ocado’s online-only platform now includes a self-service solution for FMCG brands, offering strong audience segmentation and performance insights.
Electronics and home
Currys Media
Recently added in-store screen capabilities to complement its online presence. Powered by PRN, Currys now offers brands in-store video placements across 297 stores with over 100 screens in many locations.
B&Q Media
Part of the Kingfisher Group, B&Q leverages seasonal shopping and DIY trends for campaign planning. Ads run both online and in-store.
ASOS Media Group
Specialising in fashion and beauty, ASOS Media combines rich first-party data with influencer partnerships and digital ad placements.
Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle
Zalando Marketing Services (UK)
Zalando’s UK operations provide fashion-focused advertising opportunities, often leveraging influencer and social commerce integrations.
PrettyLittleThing Media, Boohoo Group Media, River Island Media, Primark Media (emerging), New Look Media
These fashion retailers are increasingly developing or expanding their RMN strategies, particularly across social and digital platforms.
Superdrug Media
Focuses on younger beauty and health shoppers, with growing digital and loyalty integration.
Key themes across RMNs
While each RMN brings its own strengths, several capabilities are increasingly standard across the board:
- Audience targeting: Loyalty and purchase history data inform precision targeting
- Sponsored product ads and display: Both onsite and offsite
- Closed-loop measurement: Linking ad exposure to online or in-store sales
- Self-service platforms: Growing demand from both brands and agencies
- Omnichannel capabilities: Many RMNs are expanding into in-store, CTV, and social media
The diversity and maturity of the UK RMN landscape offer brands more choice, flexibility, and innovation than ever before. However, this complexity also requires careful planning, smart tech integration, and close collaboration between advertisers, agencies, and RMNs.
In the next article, we will explore the rise of shoppable media and how retailers and media owners are blending content and commerce across digital and video platforms.
