Chico's enhances omnichannel capabilities with RFID-enabled inventory accuracy tool

Chico’s is looking to evolve its omnichannel retailing strategy, and to that end, has partnered with Tyco, a leading global provider of retail performance and security tools and technology, to address inventory accuracy and visibility challenges in 13 Soma Intimates pilot stores.



Tyco's RFID-based Inventory Intelligence tool is designed to enable store assistants to access accurate, real-time inventory information in one place to better manage their deep merchandise assortment and to drive increased sales and shopper satisfaction, according to the company.



"Our core value remains consistent: provide the most amazing customer service," said Ken Silay, director, technology, research and innovation for Chico's. "Innovation is an integral part of our mission to create a great customer experience. With RFID-based inventory intelligence, we can enhance the opportunity to have the right product available at the right place, at the right time to satisfy our in-store and omnichannel shoppers. Increasing our inventory accuracy helps minimize lost sales and out-of-stocks, keeping our customers happy and associates more productive. On our journey we've discovered innovation is always in fashion."



The RFID initiative delivered compelling results in the pilot store group, according to Tyco. Weekly full-store inventory counts enable Soma to maintain 90-95% accuracy every day so store assistants can easily fill in needed merchandise. Soma also gained insight into store loss prevention. Although shrink had not been a significant problem for Soma, with RFID read points at door exits, they gained insight to specific items lost, noting exactly when (and if) they left the store, Tyco reported.



"As retailers strive to create the perfect shopping experience, they realize RFID's immediate benefits to combat mission-critical issues like poor inventory accuracy and visibility," said Nancy Chisholm, president, Tyco. "An innovative retailer dedicated to superior customer service, Chico's understands the increasingly valuable role of RFID to achieve store excellence and gain unprecedented insight to fuel strategic decisions. We are grateful to partner with Chico's on this exciting technology initiative in their Soma Intimates stores."