ASOS selects Merret from Retail Assist to support growth

ASOS, the UK’s largest independent online fashion and beauty retailer, has selected Retail Assist’s Merret supply chain solution to replace its core buying and merchandising systems. The new system covers product creation, purchase order management, supplier management, stock valuation, markdowns and promotions.

ASOS has invested in a strategic programme to replace its back-office systems, as the company’s IT Director, Dan West, explains: “We’re growing at a phenomenal pace. Our systems need to be capable of underpinning our business strategies, including international expansion, ensuring we maintain our competitive edge. Whilst in-house systems have met our needs to date, we now need stronger and more consistent controls and processes. This is a great opportunity to re-map our processes for the benefit of the business.”

ASOS has been systematically replacing its core systems with “best of breed” solutions and selected Merret to enhance the control and visibility of its supply chain.

Observes Retail Assist’s product director, Nigel Illingworth: “In Merret, ASOS saw a functionally-rich system that will instantly improve control and visibility. Our integrated solution will fully support ASOS’ aggressive growth plans.”

Dan West describes why Retail Assist were chosen: “We believe that they are capable of building solutions that make a positive contribution to operations, customer service and the bottom line. We also feel comfortable with the company culture, and are looking forward to building a partnership with them.”

The project is underway to deliver a Merret MMS solution that includes development of data interfaces to integrate with ASOS’ suite of applications. Retail Assist will also provide project management and implementation services.

Adds Nigel Illingworth: “ASOS will gain in lots of ways from using Merret, including promotion management options and greater flexibility in managing multiple drop dates for intake. Supplier management will also improve, as Merret’s method of generating SKU-level POs based on pre-defined criteria is fast and efficient. And by further developing Merret to meet the needs of ASOS, we too will benefit from our new partnership in terms of enriching our online retailing solution.“