Leading
schoolwear wholesaler and retailer, Clive
Mark,
has selected the VCSTIMELESS retail
management solutions to run its group activities: Clive
Mark Schoolwear, Clive Mark
Embroidery Services
and Clive Mark Direct. A family-run independent
company established over 40 years ago, Clive
Mark is the largest supplier of school
uniforms in the Midlands with 8 stores in the region
and a wholesale business which serves over 1000
schools nationwide and a growing number of schools
across Europe.
The Challenge
In order to sustain the growth of the business and
remain the Midlands' largest schoolwear supplier,
Clive Mark knew it needed a robust IT infrastructure
to streamline its retail and wholesale operations.
Clive Mark had outgrown its existing retail
management system and two years ago began searching for a
software vendor who could offer a solution to
meet its specific industry requirements. As a
wholesaler and retailer, Clive Mark wanted a single
solution which would manage its warehouse, store
network, import operation and wholesale business.
Clive Mark required a solution with assortment
planning, manufacturing and materials sourcing
capabilities. The new system needed to handle
large amounts of information and produce reports
providing clear visibility on stock, warehouse
picking and stock movement. The need for good
quality support services also rated very highly
in Clive Mark's selection criteria. The Clive
Mark project team shortlisted three vendors from
which the Colombus
Enterprise Suite from VCSTIMELESS was selected. Clive Rose, Director commented, "We
chose the VCSTIMELESS solution as it met our retail and wholesale requirements and also offered proven
support services, including good quality help
desk facilities."
The Solution
Clive Mark has selected the VCSTIMELESS head
office,
distribution, wholesale, purchasing, point
of sale, business intelligence and CRM solutions
to optimise its retail chain and improve the
speed and accuracy of decision making through
more flexible reporting and multi dimensional
analysis. The solution includes the following:
Multi channel distribution including wholesale,
concessions, retail
stores and web integration
Replenishment based on different strategies Shortage
management Extensive reporting using current
OLAP technology Specialised creation of product
allowing various articles to make up an assembly
Of particular importance to Clive Mark was the
ability to manage multiple size scales with multiple
VAT rates and the creation of unique garments
with many different styles and through a variety
of domestic and overseas suppliers.
Implementation
The Colombus
solution will be deployed in two
phases. Phase one, which is set to go live in
January
2005, will see the roll out to the head office,
Clive Mark's 8 stores and 16,000 sq ft warehouse.
The solution will be fully integrated to Clive
Mark's accounting package. Phase two will consist
of integration to their online ordering facility.
As a family run business, Clive Mark was keen
to select a provider with whom it could develop
a true and long-lasting business partnership. "Clive
Mark chose VCSTIMELESS because of the professionalism
of its team and our confidence in them to deliver
the solution," commented Clive Rose.
About
Clive Mark Schoolwear
Clive Mark offers quality, fashionable schoolwear
brands, including its own CLIVE MARK brand at
value for money prices. Clive Mark products are
distributed through a network of 8 stores in
the Midlands, via its on-line shop, www.clivemark.co.uk,
and directly to schools through its wholesale
business, Clive Mark Direct. The Clive Mark Group
also includes Clive Mark Embroidery Services
which supplies promotional clothing to businesses
and clubs as well as schools. Established over
40 years ago, Clive Mark is the largest supplier
of schoolwear in the Midlands.
For more information,
visit www.clivemark.co.uk
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