Whistles Implements Merret

Re-invented fashion brand picks Retail Assist’s supply chain solution as part of an IT infrastructure project to enable its independent status

Cutting edge fashion retailer Whistles contracted with Retail Assist to help deliver an entire IT infrastructure following its purchase from Mosaic Fashions. Whistles required new systems to enable autonomy from former IT supplier Aurora, the group formed following the buyout of Mosaic Fashions.

As part of a multi-faceted deal, Whistles 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 ecommerce 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.”

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 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.”