Tech Tuesdays: Bata Taps Blue Yonder + More News

Shoe brand Bata turned to Blue Yonder to “digitalize” its product replenishment and merchandising planning. The supply chain solutions company said Bata will implement a SaaS-based fulfillment and distribution solution to “meet various customer needs and business objectives.”

Barbara Franchetto, Global Product Director at Bata, said the brand has “always been committed to providing high-quality footwear and this partnership with Blue Yonder fits perfectly with our pursuit of excellence.” With Blue Yonder we will redefine our landscape and set new standards in terms of innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction.

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Supply chain optimization is a smart investment for Bata, as the brand ships 150 million pairs of shoes annually to more than 5,300 stores worldwide. “The company’s shoes are available in more than 70 countries across five continents,” Blue Yonder said in a statement. “Bata was struggling with how best to distribute its products both in individual stores and across all retail channels, so they turned to Blue Yonder.”

The expected results of the app include improved product distribution based on customer needs and “elevating the shopping experience to a new level,” according to Blue Yonder, which will streamline Bata’s operations and optimize various processes and deliver products more efficiently. The brand will also “ensure relevant locations (stores or retail channels) are actively populated.”

“Bata understands the importance of meeting customer needs efficiently. They needed a supply chain solutions provider to meet their current and future retail needs. Our solution for Blue Yonder will enable them to truly transform the way they distribute and bottle products to meet consumer needs,” said Vince Beacom, senior vice president of retail sales at Blue Yonder.

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FN's sister publication, Sourcing Journal, has released a new Digital First report that provides insight into Web3 and how it can be used to increase conversions and better engage buyers. The report also talks about technologies that can optimize inventory and manage sales. It also includes case studies of how Adidas, Macy's and Amazon use augmented reality to test products.

Further information and a free copy of the report can be found HERE.

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Manhattan Associates Inc. now offers expanded returns management features aimed at simplifying and streamlining the returns process and creating a seamless experience for consumers and retailers, the company said in a statement, adding that the new returns feature “strengthens customer loyalty “. “Creating a frictionless experience, increasing store traffic and cross-selling opportunities.

This is good news for shoe retailers, as returns are often a problem for customers and brands. The push to offer enhanced features stems from a Manhattan Consolidated Commerce Assessment report that found that 41% of consumers surveyed “find the returns process too time-consuming and 96% would shop with retailers again.” . "

The tech company said the new features will allow consumers to choose the most convenient option for returning products (in-store or online, as well as non-printer options). “Once couriers scan your package, returns or exchanges are processed three to five days faster than most retailers,” he said.

Ellie Crawford, head of product management at Manhattan, said that for today's consumers, "the experience is more important than the product." Returns are a concern for consumers and a high cost for retailers. Our advanced returns management capabilities help retailers serve their customers even after “Providing a best-in-class sales experience that increases loyalty and ultimately profitability.”

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Hope? Does Xbox have its own branded credit card? Xbox, Barclays and Mastercard said they have partnered to offer "Xbox Mastercard, the first Xbox co-branded credit card in the US."

The no-annual-fee card "offers gamers the best of both worlds, including points redemption for Xbox games and add-ons essential for gaming and everyday purchases, select streaming services, food delivery and more," the companies said. . "

Barclays US Consumer Bank will launch the Xbox Mastercard, which will be “available exclusively to qualified Xbox Insiders in all 50 states on September 21 and will be available to the general public in the US in 2024,” shared the companies with.

The card offers many advantages and is clearly aimed at Xbox gamers. “We've heard feedback from the Xbox community that they want more ways to get value from their purchases,” said Dave McCarthy, CVP of Xbox Player Services. “We’re excited to work with Barclays and Mastercard to expand the opportunities for Xbox players to earn rewards for playing games.”

The best new shoes.

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Part 6: Thomas Hardy audio book (chapters 38–44)