Whistles Implements Merret

As part of a multi-faceted deal, Whistles has selected Retail Assist’s Merret merchandising and warehousing solution, featuring a Business Intelligence and Corporate Performance Management module powered by BOARD, to power its new Distribution Centre managed by Clipper Logistics.

The Merret application forms part of an integrated IT solution, and will drive the multichannel business forward through interfaces to Whistles’ BT Fresca e-commerce website, the upgraded BT Expedite Store6 EPoS solution in Whistles’ shops, and store systems in multiple concession partners including Selfridges, Brown Thomas, Fenwicks, House of Fraser and John Lewis.

The technical architecture provided by Retail Assist includes email systems for all users and stores, an active directory, intranet and SQL servers following the migration from previous supplier Aurora. All of Whistles’ new core servers are now hosted at Retail Assist’s Northampton Data Centre.

Whistles’ IT and Logistics Director, David Mold, comments: “Having a best of breed solution – Merret – for both Merchandising and Warehouse Management gives the optimal solution for both business areas through richer functionality, provides operational improvements, seamless integration of systems, and also reduces overheads when compared with the option of having separate systems looking after our new Distribution Centre.”
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The entire IT infrastructure was created and implemented in under six months. Yet to fulfil the highly seasonal nature of Whistles’ fashion business, purchase orders had to be raised using Merret only two months after the project was kicked off, to order stock that needed to be delivered to the new Whistles warehouse.

David Mold continues: “The solution delivered provides Whistles with the desired IT infrastructure tailored to our unique ‘retail DNA’. The systems will supply the management team with intelligent information to assist strategic decision-making.”

Concludes Retail Assist’s Managing Director, Alan Morris: “We’re delighted to be working with Whistles at such an exciting stage. The brand is going from strength to strength, and we’re proud to be playing our part in providing critical business systems which underpin Whistles’ capacity to trade.” http://www.retail-assist.co.uk