Lifestyle retailer selects on-demand technology platform to power strategic import operations management initiative
Alameda, CA, and Warrendale, PA — September 8, 2005 — American Eagle Outfitters Inc., a fast-growing retailer of lifestyle apparel, has awarded GT Nexus a contract to implement and operate a technology platform for global transportation and import operations management.
With over 784 retail outlets in the United States, American Eagle is a major U.S. importer, and it has aggressive plans for growth. Through its dedicated international logistics division, Blue Star Imports, the company manages a supply chain that stretches across more then 25 countries and hundreds of suppliers.
The technology platform is part of a corporate initiative to improve the company's import supply chain operations by providing a unified data hub and a global logistics control system with which American Eagle will manage international freight activities.
Leading-edge logistics processes are essential to customer satisfaction and strategic growth for American Eagle Outfitters, said Hank Shechtman, the company's vice president for import operations and logistics. With GT Nexus as our technology partner, we have embarked on an initiative that will bring our global logistics operations into the 21st century. It will put American Eagle at the forefront of industry practice.
The contract calls for GT Nexus to deliver on-demand software applications, partner connectivity and data integration services, and performance management tools. The platform will centralize, in a single online system, several global logistics activities, including procurement of worldwide air and ocean freight services; analysis and optimization of transportation service proposals; development of allocation plans to assign freight volumes across carriers; standardization and management of freight contracts in a single online system; connectivity, integration and ongoing data quality control with service providers; auditing of expected vs. actual freight charges and exception resolution; and strategic shipment planning and execution.
Launched in May this year, GT Nexus already has taken American Eagle live with its Phase I implementation, converting all ocean and air freight contracts to the new system, training service providers, and running optimization scenarios. Subsequent phases will complete partner integrations to the American Eagle network, deploy shipment planning and freight audit tools, and roll out American Eagle-dedicated product enhancements.
We are honored for the opportunity to work with one of America's top lifestyle apparel retailers, said Aaron Sasson, chairman and CEO of GT Nexus. As American Eagle's technology partner for this business-critical project, we are committed to delivering on their objectives for value and competitive advantage.
