Jacques Vert overhauls IT systems
Womenswear retailer to implement Maple Lake merchandise planning and Retail Assist supply chain solutions
Fashion retailer Jacques Vert is about to undergo a major overhaul of its IT systems, following significant growth in its online sales channels and increased focus on multi-channel retailing. Jacques Vert will implement Retail Assist’s supply chain ERP solution, Merret, and Maple Lake’s QuickAssortment merchandise and assortment planning software early in 2011. This will be part of a significant investment in its online platform and other systems over the next 18 months.
Managing multiple brands (Jacques Vert, Planet, Precis Petite and Windsmoor) across various regions, sizes and styles means that Jacques Vert is constantly having to analyse a complex range of products, through over a thousand outlets in the UK, Ireland and Canada, as well as via web stores for each brand. The company also plans to launch a clearance website.
Merchandise planning and supply chain management are vital to Jacques Vert, as the group’s products are mainly supplied from the Far East and Europe, and either delivered to its central warehouse in the UK for redistribution, or direct to stores in Canada. The process is made more complicated by different countries and sales channels generally requiring a varying mix of products.
By using more sophisticated technology, the retailer anticipates reducing lead times by working more closely with suppliers and sharing more accurate sales data. Currently, planning for new lines is done a long time in advance with limited repeat buys.
The Retail Bulletin is organising their 2nd Multichannel Summit, to be held in London February 2nd 2011. The event is sponsored by k3 retail and will look at how retailers can maximize profits, market share and loyalty through cost effective, seamless, integrated multichannel strategies.
If you would like to attend as either a delegate or Networking Partner, go to www.retailbulletinconferences.com/multichannel2011
