First Java-Based Mission-Critical Store Application to be in All 471 Stores by Mid to Late Summer
HOUSTON--April 11, 2001--
The rollout of Chelsea Market Systems` ChelseaStore point-of-service application resumed at The Men`s Wearhouse Inc. (NYSE:MW), with 150 of the 471 stores already running the Java-based store system. Chelsea`s retail solutions optimize store processes and increase integration throughout the retail enterprise.
This is the first mission-critical retail application built entirely on a Java platform to enter the production phase for any major retailer. The new system expands MW capability to manage store activity beyond traditional men`s apparel sales, such as rentals and lay-away, and to handle international transactions.
"After conducting an exhaustive search of available store systems in 1998, we became a development partner with Chelsea to design a Java-based solution that would offer MW the agility to quickly adapt to market changes, expand internationally, and support full multi-channel retailing," said Jeff Marshall, chief information officer of MW. "Our total cost of ownership has been reduced and our stores report that the ChelseaStore system is easier to use and more fault tolerant than our legacy system. We also had the flexibility to run on our existing POS hardware if we couldn`t afford to replace the POS hardware."
"Chelsea is committed to Java as the future in retail technology because of its extensibility and reusability," said Harry Levy, founder and CEO of Chelsea. "In 1999 we set out to prove the power of a Java-based system and with Men`s Wearhouse as our development partner and initial customer, we`re on our way to demonstrating a new concept in retail technology which we call have it your way."
Chelsea`s multi-tiered architecture provides a solid platform for widely distributed, network-centric retailing. The Java-based application, ChelseaStore, will run in-store, across the Internet, on palm devices, even on cell phone or pager. Chelsea`s retail solutions will extend system life and can be moved to subsequent platforms without rewrites. The code adheres to the Java, ARTS, UPOS/JPOS and Retail standards.
MW`s application integrates Dell PCs, Sun Microsystems servers, Epson printers, ELO touch-screen monitors, Symbol scanners, MCI frame-relay networking, and KeySource keyboard with built-in BAC secure touch biometric security device.
The transition to the new system began in September 2000, getting 80 stores online before the holiday season interrupted the rollout. Chelsea plans to complete the rollout to all 471 of Men`s Wearhouse stores by mid to late summer.
About The Men`s Wearhouse Inc.
Founded in 1973, MW is one of North America`s largest specialty retailers of men`s apparel, operating more than 650 stores. Its multi-branded stores carry a fully selection of designer, brand name and private label suits, sport coats, dress casual clothing, outerwear, footwear, furnishings and accessories. The company also operates the second largest manufacturing facility of men`s suits and sport coats in Canada, a majority of which is used to supply the company`s Moores stores in Canada.
About Chelsea Market Systems
Houston-based Chelsea Market Systems, LLC builds on decades of retail experience and research to combine powerful and flexible Java-based architecture technology with the features that retailers need to manage their business their way. Founded in 1999 and developed by retailers for retailers, Chelsea`s Java-based product offerings include an enterprise platform, the ChelseaStore(TM) point-of-service system, and a variety of application development and management tools.
CONTACT: Chelsea Market Systems
Greg Amestoy, 866/937-1500 (Toll-free)
gamestoy@chelseasystems.com
or
Beth S. Miller Marketing Communications
Beth Miller, 281/437-0309
bmiller14@houston.rr.com
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