Fashion retailer Jacques Vert is taking on new IT systems, including Retail Assist’s supply chain ERP solution Merret, and Maple Lake’s QuickAssortment merchandise and assortment planning software.
This update will take place in early 2011 and will be part of a wider investment in its online platform and other systems over the next 18 months.
Jacques Vert also manages other brands such as Planet, Precis Petite and Windsmoor, across various regions. It makes retail sales through over a thousand outlets in the UK, Ireland and Canada, as well as via web stores for each brand, and 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.
Ian Johnson, group finance director at Jacques Vert, said: “We need to be more reactive and operate a more effective supply chain to remain ahead of the competition. 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.
Previously, it has relied on manual processes and complex spreadsheets for merchandise planning, and a legacy ERP system for supply chain management. The new software will feed data directly into its existing IT systems, giving a cohesive view to improve performance management and financial reporting across the business. It also expects to see more efficient 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.”
