Retailer tech deployments in the spotlight at NRF

New York -- From solutions having to do with enterprise business intelligence to mobility, there were a host of retail technology deployments announced at the National Retail Federation’s 102nd Annual Convention & Expo. Here is a quick recap of some key applications:

• Crate and Barrel is in the process of implementing a broad suite of planning solutions from Predictix. The cloud-based solutions will unify all merchandise, assortment and item planning decisions and breaks down the silos between planning and forecasting — creating one version of certainty across the company.

• Crocs Inc. is deploying the SAP Apparel and Footwear application to replace its legacy ERP system. The solution will help give Crocs complete control of its global supply chain — from procuring raw materials to delivering finished styles across the globe.

• Deckers Outdoor, parent company of UGG Australia and other footwear brands, is using a broad suite of Oracle Retail Merchandising, Planning and Stores Solutions to centralize and improve operations as the company drives global direct to consumer (DTC) expansion across multiple brands and channels.

• DSW is expanding its use of NCR Advanced Store point-of-sale software to offer shoppers mobile POS functionality and returns throughout the chain. The chain is also implementing NCR’s enterprise returns capability; ensuring customers get the correct refund for the correct item easily – with or without a receipt.

• Hibbett Sports has selected the QuantiSense Decision Orchestration Platform for its enterprise business intelligence solution. The solution will provide a single foundation for merchandising and store operations across the retailer's 800-plus locations.

• J.C. Penney is rolling out Microsoft Office 365 improve remote access for employees and increase communication between stores, allowing team members to work seamlessly with colleagues at other locations while assisting customers. The implementation is part of Penney’s effort to simplify and modernize technology solutions.

• The Jones Group Inc. is in a pilot with Epicor Retail Store to enhance operations and increase customer service in stores. The software will be deployed on iPods, bringing information directly to sales associates and allowing them to complete transactions from anywhere in the store.

• Loehmann’s tapped MID Retail’s Advanced Merchandise Planning and Advanced Allocation software to forecast store-level demand, accurately generate buying plans, and intelligently manage the flow of merchandise to retail stores.

• Signet Jewelers teamed up with IBM on a major e-commerce strategy and digital marketing redesign for Signet's national U.S. store chains, which include Kay Jewelers and Jared the Galleria of Jewelry. The initiative has resulted in consistent sales growth, including a year-over-year increase of 49% in online sales.

• Tilly's launched a state-of-the-art mobile commerce app powered by MicroStrategy's Alert Mobile Commerce Platform. Available for iPhone and Android smartphones, the app lets the specialty apparel retailer create a branded connection with its customers, including wallet functionality, exclusive content, personalized promotions and receipts.