Skipper Bar outsources IT requirements to VST

In a move aimed at facilitating its expansion, the Skipper Bar retail clothing group has outsourced the implementation and management of its entire IT system to leading retail IT solution provider, Virtual Systems Technologies (VST). VST is a member of the Softline Limited group.

VST's integrated and complete end-to-end retail IT solution will link Skipper Bar's 12 stores to the head office. The Skipper Bar group - which incorporates Skipper Bar, Skipper Bar Kids, Saks and LL Bean - has grown rapidly in recent years, and plans are to roll out more stores in the near future.

With offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, VST services leading retailers throughout southern Africa and therefore has an extensive VPN infrastructure to service and support Skipper Bar's current and future stores located nationwide.

VST has over 18 years experience in the developing and implementing of retail management software solutions. Their high profile client base includes leading retail outlets Scotts Shoes, Smileys Warehouse, Pep Stores, Cape Union Mart, Shoe City and several others. In addition, the Morkels and Moresport group of companies have outsourced their entire IT function to VST.

"Until recently, all our stores were close to our head office, so hands-on management was possible. This is changing and we realised we had to find a way to remain in touch with our stores and our customers," explains Skipper Bar financial director Keith Israelstam.

"We examined various options and systems, looking for the best way to balance costs with the quality and functionality of a system, as well as the provision of after-sales service. VST was able to offer us everything we required - an exceptionally professional approach coupled with an end-to-end system tailored to the needs of the clothing retail industry."

According to VST Johannesburg regional manager Kevin Buitendag, VST will supply and install the entire system, from Point of Sale (POS) hardware and Retailman software in each store, through to their integration with the Dolfin retail management and merchandising system at the company's head office.

"Our ability to implement, manage and support end-to-end retail solutions allows our customer to focus on their core business. Skipper Bar can now focus on what it does best, while we manage their entire IT requirement," he says.

All sales information from each store will be sent through to the head office daily, enabling Skipper Bar to track customer purchases. This information will then be analysed by the head office merchandising system to determine which colours, sizes and styles are most popular at different stores.

"This will help us with purchasing and budgeting and ensuring that the right stock reaches the right stores at the right time. In the past, this information (which lacked colour and size information) was only made available when month-end reports were generated. The VST retail solution will also assist with the planning of merchandising campaigns, stock control and ordering.

"I'm confident that VST's POS and Retail Management system will not only increase our efficiencies, but will enable us to improve our service to our customers," Israelstam concludes.