News
PRESS RELEASE
Jacques Vert Overhauls IT Systems
Womenswear retailer to implement TXT MAPLE LAKE merchandise planning and Retail Assist supply chain solutions
LEICESTER, United Kingdom – Nov 1, 2010 – 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 both Retail Assist’s supply chain ERP solution, Merret, and TXT 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.
“We need to be more reactive and operate a more effective supply chain to remain ahead of the competition,” says Ian Johnson, Group Finance Director at Jacques Vert. “This means continually monitoring trends and identifying best sellers so that popular lines can be quickly replenished throughout the season.”
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.
Johnson says that the company has been relying until now on largely manual processes and complex spreadsheets for merchandise planning, and an ERP legacy system for supply chain management. He says that the TXT MAPLE LAKE and Merret software will feed data directly into its other IT systems, giving a single cohesive view to help improve performance management and financial reporting across the business. The business also envisages significant efficiencies in store replenishment and warehouse management.
Retail Assist’s product director, Nigel Illingworth, says: “Merret will provide Jacques Vert with a full suite of supply chain and warehouse management software, enabling store staff and concessions to check stock levels and organise inter-branch transfers whenever necessary.”
Bob Jolley, group commercial director at TXT MAPLE LAKE, adds: “Many specialty retailers are now opting for ‘best of breed’ solutions like ours, and Merret, which can be easily integrated into the business. TXT MAPLE LAKE and Retail Assist are jointly working with other leading multi-channel retailers in the UK, and we look forward to providing clear business benefits to these clients.”
About Jacques Vert
Jacques Vert Plc is a UK fashion retailer trading via its websites and from over 1000 high-street outlets in the UK, Eire and Canada. The company provides outstanding premium womenswear across a diverse mix of four unique brands: Jacques Vert, PLANET, Precis and Windsmoor. Jacques Vert is listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. The company reported a £115m turnover for the year ending April 2010, with a £5.3m profit, up from £2.4m the previous year.
About TXT MAPLE LAKE
TXT MAPLE LAKE is a leading provider of merchandise assortment and allocation solutions to the retail market. This international software business is a specialist in the fashion and retail sectors, with a strong track record of taking an innovative approach to providing practical retail solutions. With its direct experience in retail, its consultants boast an unparalleled knowledge of the unique demands of planning in a fast paced retail environment. Customers include: Levi Strauss & Co, The Arcadia Group, ASOS.com, Ted Baker, Aeropostale, lululemon athletica, Cole Haan, Club Monaco, Roots, Columbia Sportswear, Mountain Equipment Co-op and Barneys New York. Visit www.maplelake.com or simply call us on +1 (905) 513-7480
For more information, visit www.maplelake.com, or call (905) 513-7480.
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About Retail Assist Limited
Retail Assist is a leading retail-only solutions and services company, providing UK and international retailers with end-to-end business applications plus a comprehensive range of services that reduce costs, optimise retail operations and support higher revenues. Products include Merret, a real-time, multi-currency, multi-channel merchandising, warehousing and stock control solution that covers all areas of the retail supply process including integration into EpoS systems. Retail Assist clients include Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, La Senza, Paperchase, Whistles, Aurora Fashions, The White Company and Jane Norman.
More information available at www.retail-assist.com, www.merret.com, www.twitter.com/RetailAssist or www.twitter.com/Merret_Ra.
Company Founded: 2001
Head Office: Toronto, Canada
Satellite Offices: USA, UK, Australia
First Client: Roots Canada