Orquest 2024 Recap

As 2024 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of milestones that underscore Orquest’s commitment to optimizing retail operations and enhancing employee and customer experiences through AI-powered scheduling. From prestigious recognitions to team-building moments, here’s a look back at a transformative year for Orquest.

Orquest Q1: A Fantastic Kickoff

NRF 2024: Shaping Retail’s Future
For the second time in a row, we kicked off  the year at NRF 2024 in New York City, Retail’s Big Show, where we showcased Orquest Smart Planning. Conversations buzzed around how AI can redefine in-store operations, and our solution stood out for its potential to revolutionize customer experiences.

Redesigning the Mobile App
This quarter also marked a major upgrade to the Orquest mobile app. With a sleek, user-friendly interface and new features like shift requests and task assignments, the app now offers flexible scheduling with customizable workweek options. 

Revolutionizing Customer Success
As client-obsession is one of our core values, we have expanded our Customer Success team to enhance our clients’ experience and ensure we consistently deliver maximum value to our users every step of the way.  

• Implementation: Focused on onboarding and rollout processes.
• Customer Success: Dedicated to driving adoption and growth.

With a proven track record with major brands such as Zara, Dior, and McDonald’s, and the addition of many new clients during adoption, our specialized and multilingual Customer Success team ensures personalized, high-quality support, reaffirming our commitment to client success.

Q2: Recognition and Connection

Retail Technology Show Innovation Award
In April, Orquest received the Retail Technology Show Innovation Award 2024 in the UK for its “outstanding contribution” to retail workforce management in the UK among “over 400 tech innovators”.

McDonald’s Worldwide Convention
We strengthened our partnership with McDonald’s at its Worldwide Convention, celebrating our role as a workforce management provider for 38 countries, including newly added markets like Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This partnership, which began with McDonald’s Spain in 2015, has continued to thrive, transforming scheduling processes across hundreds of restaurants worldwide.

Team Culture: Creativity and Collaboration
Our annual team-building event took a creative twist with a graffiti session, reinforcing our belief in the power of collaboration and mutual support. While not all of us are Banksy, the activity showcased our strong team culture, a key ingredient of our success.

Driving Success in the MENA Region

We also travelled frequently to the MENA region to participate in key events such as Seamless Middle East, proudly showcasing the value of Orquest Smart Planning. These visits have also allowed us to support clients on their customer journey. Our growing presence in the region is reinforced by success stories from clients such as McDonald’s Jordan and McDonald’s Bahrain, who have seen first-hand the transformative impact of our solution.

Q3: Expanding Horizons

NRF APAC 2024
This year, Retail’s Big Show made its debut in Asia Pacific, and we couldn’t miss it. The discussions at NRF APAC 2024 highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability, as well as a sense of shared purpose and excitement for the future of retail in the region through collaboration and innovative solutions like Orquest.

AI Project of the Year
In Q3, Orquest won the Artificial Intelligence Project of the Year award at the Retail Systems Awards 2024 in the UK, celebrating excellence and innovation in retail. This recognition underscores the versatility and impact of our technology, as well as the continuous efforts of our in-house product team to ensure our software adapts daily to the needs of each client while anticipating the evolving demands of the retail industry.

Strengthening Ties in Brazil
We traveled to São Paulo to expand our presence in the dynamic Brazilian retail market. Engaging with partners and exploring opportunities, we reaffirmed the need for innovative solutions like Orquest in supporting the region’s exponential growth.

Welcoming New Talent
To celebrate our growing team, we embarked on a hike in Manzanares El Real. With 16 new hires in 2024, our workforce has grown to 80 strong, a testament to our continued expansion and success.

Q4: Wrapping Up with Impact

Global Recognition
This autumn, Orquest was shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the RTIH Awards 2024 and the Top 20 Startups at the 4YFN Awards 2025. These accolades highlight the innovative and global impact of our solutions.

Expansion Across Borders
Orquest 2024 also meant 10 new clients, including partnerships with Dior in EMEA and McDonald’s markets like Cyprus, Estonia, and Kuwait. Today, we operate in 80 countries, scheduling over 250,000 in-store team members for some of the world’s biggest retail and QSR brands.

Retales Podcast Growth
Retales, from retailers to retailers, powered by Orquest, wrapped up the year with 20 podcast episodes featuring industry leaders like Marwan Moukarzel, seasoned franchise operator in MENA, Javier Figar, CRO in Tendam, and Sylwia Groska, Head of People in Ikea Austria. The podcast has been listened to in 31 countries, achieving a 44% growth in listeners this year.

A Glimpse Into the Future

Once again, we’re set to kick off 2025 at NRF in New York, where we’ll reconnect with partners and showcase the transformative impact of Orquest on global retail operations. The year ahead promises new product updates, partnerships, and opportunities to advance our mission of being the strategic workforce management partner for leading retailers worldwide.

A Year to Remember

From product innovations and strategic partnerships to awards and team-building adventures, Orquest 2024 has been a year of transformation. With 120,000 kilometers traveled -equivalent to three trips around the globe- we’ve reached new heights, empowering retailers and their employees worldwide.Here’s to 2025! A year of exciting challenges, new opportunities, and greater success. Thank you to our team, clients, and partners for making 2024 unforgettable!