Apparel retailer Jacques Vert to overhaul IT systems

Markham, Ontario -- Canadian womenswear retailer Jacques Vert said Monday it has partnered with merchandise assortment and allocation solution-provider Maple Lake to implement an IT overhaul.

The retailer said it will implement Maple Lake’s QuickAssortment merchandise and assortment planning software as well as Retail Assist’s supply chain ERP solution Merret early in 2011.

The implementations will be part of an investment in its online platform and other systems over the next 18 months, said Jacques Vert.

“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 said it 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 said the company has been relying on largely manual processes and complex spreadsheets for merchandise planning, and an ERP legacy system for supply chain management. He said that the 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.

Jacques Vert operates more than 1,000 high-street outlets in the United Kingdom under four banners: Jacques Vert, PLANET, Precis and Windsmoor.