Leading Australian Distributor Selects Retek to Increase Supply Chain Efficiency and Reduce Operating Costs
Minneapolis — March 12, 2002 - Retek Inc. (NASDAQ: RETK), announced today that Mitre 10 Australia Ltd ABN 98009713704 (Mitre 10), Australia’s largest hardware wholesaler and distributor to the Mitre10 network of independent retailers, has selected Retek’s retail solutions for merchandising and advanced retail planning and optimization. The Retek solution combines services, software and support designed to optimize retail business performance, improve in-stock positions and minimize supply chain costs.
The Australian home improvement market has grown at a rapid pace, as homeowners are staying in homes longer and completing home improvements projects rather than moving into a larger home. This increased demand for home improvement supplies has been accompanied by increased competition in the market from newer warehouse-style hardware super-stores.
In response to these changes in the marketplace, Mitre 10 announced a complete overhaul of the Mitre10 format and branding of independently owned cooperative stores. To more effectively compete, maintain current customer relations and attract a new generation of customers, Mitre 10 decided to focus on reducing operating costs and excess inventory, and increasing speed-to-market for new products and services. Replacing multiple systems from different operating divisions with one integrated infrastructure will provide improved information for better decision making.
“Customers choose the company that offers the right products at the right price along with expert advice, knowledge and services,” said Steven Gillbee, general manager of information technology, with Mitre 10. “As we continue to grow, our retail system must be able to efficiently handle a growing volume of products and transactions. Retek has shown that its solutions can deliver scalable, high performance to manage our stores. Our previous systems could not deliver the performance we need.”
Leveraging a modular architecture, Retek solutions offer flexible deployment options, enabling retailers to address their most critical business needs, with the ability to develop other areas through additional modules as needed. This is a significant benefit, as it enables retailers like Mitre 10 to gain benefit from specific focus areas, with the flexibility to then extend their infrastructure as appropriate.
“Companies like Mitre 10 can achieve rapid business results with Retek’s integrated retail solutions,” says Steve Ladwig, president and CEO, Retek. “Retek customers benefit from the proven practices of the best retailers in the industry that are incorporated into Retek solutions. We look forward to helping Mitre 10 create, manage and fulfill consumer demand.”
About Mitre 10
Mitre 10 is Australia’s largest hardware wholesaler and distributor to the independently owned network of Mitre10 stores, with a local store within reach throughout the country. All stores are privately owned and operated businesses. Mitre 10 retailers offer a complete hardware and home improvement range through its store brands - from products, service and advice required for the small DIY projects through Mitre 10 Handy, to the total project support and range available through Mitre 10 Home & Trade stores. Divided according to store size, customer demographic and geographic location, each store type offers a distinct market proposition. Today, the Mitre 10 Hardware Group has nearly 700 stores throughout Australia.
About Retek Inc.
Retek Inc. is a leading provider of software solutions and services to the retail industry. Retek`s collaborative solutions help the retail industry create, manage and fulfill consumer demand. The RIS News Leaderboard 2001 ranked Retek the #1 software vendor for retail. Retek`s offering, Retek 10, encompasses Retek`s proven strategies, sophisticated software applications, patented predictive technology, unparalleled services, and the best practices of its customers and partners. Retek 10 provides retailers with the fastest path to sustainable business value. Many of the world`s leading retailers use Retek solutions, including A&P, Tesco, Country Road, Best Buy, Fast Retailing, Gap, Sainsbury`s, Eckerd Corp. and Kohl`s Department Stores. For more information, visit http://www.retek.com, or call 1-888-61-RETEK. Retek can be contacted in Europe at +44 20 7563 4646, and in Australia at +613 9526 3585.
Back...
