Abercrombie & Fitch stocks up on software

Oracle system will help fashion retailer expand its UK business

Fashion retailer is to install Oracle Retail suite

Fashion retailer Abercrombie & Fitch is to roll out Oracle’s retail software over the next few years to manage its merchandising, planning, supply chain and store systems.

The US clothing giant opened its first European shop in Saville Row two months ago and the new systems will serve as a foundation as it looks to expand its business.

The firm has traditionally relied on legacy systems to support its shops, with selective use of off-the-shelf technology to meet specific needs.

‘We see a tremendous opportunity to use Oracle Retail across the business to better manage growth and improve our overall performance,’ said Abercrombie & Fitch’s chief financial officer Michael Kramer.

He says the first objective is to improve access to foundation data to allow for more efficient merchandising capabilities.

The systems will then be expanded to improve supply chain operations across all 900 shops.