About Us

Last Yard is the trusted, AI-ready retail publishing platform for the connected smart store.

We help retailers automate personalized pricing and promotions across every online and in-store channel. With real-time rendering, data-driven design, and seamless system integration, retailers can localize customer experiences at scale, without interrupting or reinventing their tech stack.

Mission

At Last Yard, we simplify complex data into delightful retail experiences, combining intelligent technology with creative design to help retailers deliver better in-store experiences.

Vision Statement

To empower retailers to create amazing customer experiences in-store.

Values

Play the Long Game
Real success is built on enduring partnerships.

Show Bias to Action
We back ourselves and get things done.

Think Differently
We are curious, and humble and ask ‘why’. We value life-long learning and believe decisions are best made with data.

A Story Decades in the Making

Back in 1990, Ben Hoffman was helping his family with their Fruit & Veg shops, often doing the signwriting by hand. One day, his father suggested printing the signs instead. Intrigued by the idea, Ben bought his very first computer, despite having never used one before. He started with “Lotus 123,” a spreadsheet application to print simple, straightforward signs.

But Ben quickly saw potential beyond basic sign printing. Driven to improve, he decided to write a custom program, teaching himself programming through trial and error. After a couple of years of persistence, he had a working software product. SupaValu Quinns Rock became his first paying customer, purchasing the program for $2,500.

From there, Ben produced a user manual and, over the next two years, sold 24 copies of his program, SignWriter, to local independent supermarkets. His passion and commitment caught the attention of John and Lagis, who were running a company called Fundi. Enthusiastic about Ben’s vision, they became his first investors.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Empower Teams with Industry-leading Expertise

Our platform empowers back office teams with a world-class platform that drives operational efficiency, ensures effortless compliance, enhances employee and customer experiences, and accelerates revenue growth.

When you work with us, you gain access to expertise across a wide range of retail segments, including grocery, pharmacy, consumer electronics, convenience, liquor, furniture, and homewares, to streamline operations and improve performance.

Company Timeline

Part of the Software Combined
Group of Companies

Last Yard joined Software Combined in April 2023. Software Combined provides strong financial support and strategic insight for growing software businesses. Together, we have made the Last Yard platform available globally, helping retailers everywhere to unify their in-store pricing and customer experience to drive loyalty and growth.

With a 98% Customer Renewal Rate,
We Must Be Doing Something Right

A consumer electronics retailer saved thousands of hours of work per week across its 300+ stores by automating the paper signage and design process without losing its signature handwritten shelf labels.

These are the kinds of results you can expect with Last Yard.

Find Out How

What Our Customers Say

“It’s almost like the developers have worked in retail – Last Yard is so attuned to what we are doing and what we need. The platform makes an arduous and laborious job fast and easy, with less time spent on getting it right and more time for other things, above all, our customers.”

Tristan Gallagher,
Process Improvement Analyst

“When Last Yard was first introduced, the store staff said, ‘This is heaven!”. They were crying out for it.”

Matt Foran,
Merchandise Operations Coordinator

“Last Yard has been an absolute pleasure to deal with and has helped take our retail store to the next level, which has allowed our business to return to its core role of providing great customer service.”

Stephen Browning,
Head of IT

Meet our CEO,
Chris Stoyles

With a career that began in retail technology in 2003, Chris has dedicated over two decades to developing software and constructing innovative solutions that empower retailers. His journey through the tech landscape has been marked by versatility and leadership, embracing roles across customer support to professional services. His experience also includes hands-on software development and strategic positions such as Engineering Manager, Head of Product, and Chief Technology Officer.

In 2021, he embarked on a new chapter as the CEO of Last Yard, applying his comprehensive experience and entrepreneurial spirit to guide the company toward new levels of success. 


Chris’s commitment to innovation and unwavering focus on delivering value to Last Yard’s customers are driven by a deep understanding of the retail industry’s challenges and opportunities, and the desire to simplify retail.

Our Team

Edward Breese

Chief Operating Officer

Ryan Malone

Chief Technology Officer

Oliver Christie

Lead Product Manager

Kym Carmody

Financial Controller

Global Office

Australia
(Perth HQ)

Level 23
1 Spring Street
Perth WA 6000

Australia
(Sydney)

Level 8/15
Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

USA
(Texas)

1401 Lavaca Street
PMB 40794
Austin TX 7870