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Crate and Barrel Engages 4R Systems to Help Analyze
and Optimize Supply Chain Performance
Leading home furnishings retailer
participates in 4R inventory productivity IPMark
benchmark
to enhance supply chain strategy and initiatives
WAYNE, PA—May 11, 2004—4R Systems, Inc., a leading provider of software tools, analytical models and information services that helps retailers and manufacturers significantly increase profits by optimizing their inventory and related supply chain decisions, announced today that Crate and Barrel, one of the most influential and respected housewares retailers in the United States, has engaged 4R to quantify opportunities to drive increased profits by optimizing inventory management throughout the product lifecycle..
"We attribute our success at Crate and Barrel to the vision of our people, as well as our passion for the products we sell. This approach flows into all aspects of our business, including our supply chain," said John Ling, Crate and Barrel's Vice President of Logistics. "We continue to be focused on innovative ways to improve profitability and efficiency and believe that through better analysis and use of our sale, inventory and supply chain data we will continue to improve supply chain performance, and ultimately, the customer shopping experience."
4R will work with Crate and Barrel to quantify the profit improvement opportunity available through optimizing inventories to increase sales while managing inventory costs throughout the supply chain, in addition to optimizing product exit for markdown merchandise. 4R will compare and contrast Crate and Barrel's current supply chain practices to alternatives, and identify a benefit/difficulty roadmap for various future supply chain initiatives.
"We are excited to embark on this project with Crate and Barrel and believe IPMark is an excellent way for retailers to develop fact based and analytically rigorous supply chain insight that can strategically enhance procurement, allocation and disposition of their inventory," said Jiri Nechleba, 4R Systems President and CEO.
About Crate and Barrel
Crate and Barrel was founded in 1962 and now operates 127 stores nationwide. The company is well known for its design of products, merchandising of stores and the spirit of its associates. By initiating trends in product design and presentation, carefully planned expansion, customer loyalty and smart team building, Crate and Barrel has grown to its status as one of the most influential and respected housewares retailers in the United States. Crate and Barrel also offers a national bridal registry, a successful catalogue and an exciting presence on the Internet at www.crateandbarrel.com.
About 4R Systems
4R Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of software tools, analytical models and information services that helps retailers and manufacturers significantly increase profits by optimizing their inventory and related supply chain decisions. Founded by supply chain experts from The Wharton School and Harvard Business School, 4R provides capabilities that profit-optimize the matching of supply with demand. From initial launch, through replenishment and to end-of-life and for products ranging from short-lived fashion items to long-term staples, 4R provides retailers with solutions that fit their business. Clients using 4R solutions have seen increases in profitability of 1-2% of sales as a result of higher sales levels on lowered inventory. Representative clients include Linens 'n Things, Crate and Barrel, American Pacific, Mothers Work and Rodale. For more information, visit www.4rsystems.com or call 1-866-4RSYSTEMS.