SAS, Customers Start Retail ‘Evolution’

“Survival of the fittest” refers not only to Darwinian principles but also to the intense competition in today’s retail industry. In an effort to help its customers evolve and thrive in a marketplace driven by razor-thin margins, SAS is formally unveiling the latest evolution of its signature merchandising software, SAS Integrated Merchandise Planning.

“Competitive advantage is the reason we choose to continue working with SAS Retail,” says Stan Tusman, Executive Vice President of Bakers Footwear. “We knew from working with SAS previously that we could trust their retail expertise and commitment to our success. SAS predictive analytics, coupled with SAS’ retail business process expertise, made us believe that working with SAS to refine this new product release would benefit Bakers.”

Driving results for retailers
SAS Integrated Merchandise Planning 6.1 encompasses everything from strategic planning in the boardroom and retail performance analysis to merchandise financial planning, intelligent clustering, advanced assortment planning, in-season management and allocation integrated with SAS space planning.

Integration allows retailers to drive, manage and achieve performance goals with foresight that is built on SAS’ legendary integrated business intelligence and demand forecasting capabilities.

In addition to Bakers Footwear, retailers such as AutoZone, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hudson’s Bay Company and Mark’s Work Wearhouse also came on board with the enhanced SAS Integrated Merchandise Planning suite in 2006. Other retailers feel the competitive advantage is so great that confidentiality prevents disclosure of their names to the marketplace.  

“We are privileged to help so many retailers drive results in today’s highly competitive retail market,” says Lori Schafer, Vice President of the SAS Global Retail Practice. “SAS Retail is uniquely qualified to help retailers today as they turn to SAS technology and SAS retail intellectual capital as a growth platform for their business.”

Other SAS retail customers include:

• 1-800-FLOWERS.COM
• AutoZone
• Bakers Footwear
• Brooks Brothers
• Burger King
• Casino
• Casual Male
• The Children’s Place
• Eddie Bauer
• Federated Department Stores
• Hudson’s Bay Company
• JCPenney
• Kohl’s
• Luxxotica Retail
• Mark’s Work Wearhouse
• Marks & Spencer
• Newport News
• Northern Tool & Equipment
• Office Depot
• Sainsbury’s
• Sport Chalet
• Staples
• Tesco
• Tween Brands
• Williams-Sonoma

SAS helps retailers drive results in today's highly competitive retail market.