Columbia Sportswear Company Announces Senior Leadership Changes

PORTLAND, Ore. — October 29, 2020 — Columbia Sportswear Co. announced a series of senior leadership changes today executing on transition plans, supporting the company’s omni-channel plans for growth and unlocking digital opportunities.

Thomas B. Cusick has announced his intention to retire from the company. In February 2021 Cusick will step down from his role as executive vice president and COO and transition to a part-time role with the company, assisting with operational matters, including significant information technology and supply chain initiatives to ensure optimization of these key strategic investments, until his retirement from the company in the second half of 2021. Cusick joined Columbia in September 2002 as corporate controller and served as CFO from 2009 until assuming his most recent role of COO in 2017.

“Tom has been a true source of leadership over the past 18 years. During his tenure at Columbia, Tom has helped lead the Company from net sales of approximately $800 million in 2002 to over $3 billion in 2019. He will be sorely missed, but we are thankful for the time and energy he has devoted to elevating the Company to what it is today,” said Timothy P. Boyle, chairman of the Board, president and CEO.

In accordance with pre-established transition plans, Lisa A. Kulok, senior vice president, Global Supply Chain Operations and Manufacturing, will become executive vice president, chief supply chain officer, and Jim A. Swanson, senior vice president and CFO, will become executive vice president and CFO, both reporting directly to Tim Boyle. Brent Beeson, vice president, Apparel Manufacturing, will become senior vice president, Manufacturing, reporting directly to Kulok.

“I have worked closely with Lisa and Jim for many years and have complete confidence in their leadership abilities as we navigate through the changes in our business model. I look forward to continuing to partner with them through the transition,” Cusick said.

In addition, the company has made changes to its senior leadership organization to support the company’s omni-channel plans for growth. Consumers are driving a rapid pace of change in the marketplace, which has been accelerated by the pandemic. The company believes these leadership changes will enable it to meet consumers’ needs in today’s marketplace, with frictionless transitions in process flows and regional alignment of goals.

“We are announcing changes today to capitalize on Columbia’s omni-channel growth potential by aligning our organizational structure globally to accelerate our business transformation with a focus on eCommerce and digital,” Tim Boyle said. “The time for change has never been better and we see real opportunity with these changes.”

Franco Fogliato, executive vice president, Americas General Manager, will lead the Company in focusing on the omni-channel experience by transitioning to executive vice president, Global Omni-Channel. This leadership role will oversee all Columbia brand sales in direct markets globally by working to support and build strong commercial channel teams that will align to bring a robust brand message to all the direct markets. As a result of this change, vice president and general manager for EMEA, Matthieu Schegg, will report directly to Fogliato, as will senior vice president for Asia Direct, Peter Rauch.

In addition to leading all direct markets, Fogliato will facilitate a close partnership among channel leaders to share best practices and support global Columbia brand goals. eCommerce is a growing focus for the company, and it has invested significantly to advance digital capabilities in this critical channel. To support Columbia brand eCommerce strategies, Patricia Higgins, vice president, eCommerce, will transition to senior vice president, e-Commerce, reporting directly to Fogliato. Higgins will continue to directly manage the North America eCommerce operations, while expanding her scope globally to provide strategic guidance and best practices to enhance the company’s global Columbia brand eCommerce businesses.

“Franco has been instrumental in driving growth in Europe and in the US, and I believe he will now be enabled to do so on a more global scale,” Boyle said.

To further enhance the company’s digital capabilities across the enterprise, the company is creating a new chief digital information officer role, which will report directly to Tim Boyle. This role will also serve to replace the chief information officer position when Michael Hirt retires in April 2021. In addition, the Columbia brand is searching for a chief marketing officer, with an emphasis on enhancing marketing and social engagement in a digital marketplace.

“The leadership changes we are making today are intended to accelerate sustainable growth for the organization. We will continue to focus on our strategic priorities to: drive global brand awareness and sales growth through increased, focused demand creation investments; enhance consumer experience and digital capabilities in all of our channels and geographies; expand and improve global Direct-to-Consumer operations with supporting processes and systems; and invest in our people and optimize our organization across our portfolio of brands. We believe that these changes will make Columbia stronger in the future,” said Mr. Boyle.

Biographical information on key leaders:

Lisa Kulok is a 12-year Columbia veteran. For the past five years she has served as Senior Vice President of Global Supply Chain Operations becoming Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain Operations and Manufacturing in July 2020, and has reported to Tom Cusick for several years. She joined Columbia in February 2008 as Senior Director of Global Planning. From 1987 to 2007, Ms. Kulok held various leadership positions at NIKE, Inc., including USA Apparel Marketplace Planning Director and Director of Regional Planning. During this time, she led numerous teams that developed and implemented planning and supply chain processes, systems and organizations that supported growth of the company’s annual revenues.

Jim Swanson is a 17-year Columbia veteran. For the past three years Mr. Swanson has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer under Tom Cusick. Mr. Swanson joined Columbia Sportswear in April 2003 as Global Senior Financial Analyst and has served in numerous roles of increasing responsibility during his tenure, being named Vice President of Finance in May 2015. Prior to joining Columbia, Mr. Swanson served in a variety of financial planning and analysis, tax, and accounting roles, including senior financial analyst at Freightliner Corporation and at Tality Corporation – a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cadence Design Systems, and as a senior tax and business advisory associate at Arthur Andersen.

Brent Beeson is a 22-year Columbia veteran. For the past three years Mr. Beeson has served as Vice President of Apparel Manufacturing reporting to Tom Cusick. Mr. Beeson joined Columbia in July of 1998 and has held numerous Supply Chain leadership roles in both the Footwear and Apparel segments of the business, including leading the company’s liaison office teams in Taiwan and China from 2006 to 2011 before returning to Portland to oversee sourcing for all brands and regions. Prior to joining Columbia, he held various manufacturing roles at Nike, Inc. from 1994 to 1998.

Franco Fogliato is a seven-year Columbia veteran. For the past three years Mr. Fogliato has served as Executive Vice President, Americas General Manager reporting directly to Tim Boyle. Mr. Fogliato joined Columbia in November 2013 as Senior Vice President and General Manager EMEA Direct Sales. He was promoted to Senior Vice President and General Manager of EMEA region in 2016. Prior to joining Columbia, Mr. Fogliato served as general manager of Europe for the Billabong Group (BBG.AX) in Europe from 2004 to 2013 and as a member of company’s executive board. From 1997 through 2003, Mr. Fogliato held various European leadership roles with The North Face® brand, culminating as general manager of Western Europe.

Patricia E. Higgins is an eight-year Columbia veteran. For the past eight years Ms. Higgins has served as Vice President of eCommerce reporting to Senior Vice President of Direct-to-Consumer, David Lawner. Prior to joining Columbia, Ms. Higgins served as Senior Vice President, eCommerce at TOMS Shoes, Inc. and in various leadership roles in eCommerce, retail and customer service operations at Guess?, Inc., Hot Topic, Inc., Cooking.com and Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

Posted October 30, 2020

Source: Columbia Sportswear Company

HanesBrands Announces 2030 Global Sustainability Goals Focused On People, Planet And Product

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — October 8, 2020 — HanesBrands, a socially responsible leading global marketer of everyday basic apparel, today announced new, wide-ranging 2030 global sustainability goals that include a commitment to setting science-based environmental targets, a goal of improving the lives of at least 10 million people, and addressing the use of plastics and sustainable raw materials in products and packaging.

The goals were launched via a new sustainability website, www.HBISustains.com, designed to increase company transparency and reporting on key metrics, including diversity, human rights benchmarks and risk assessments for investors.

The company’s efforts, which build upon its long-term success in ethical workplace practices, community building, energy and carbon emissions reduction and environmental sustainability, are being developed in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The 17 U.N. SDGs address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, good health and decent work.

Key highlights of the company’s 2030 global sustainability goals include:

  • People: By 2030, HanesBrands will improve the lives of at least 10 million people through health and wellness programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives, improved workplace quality, and philanthropic efforts that improve local communities.
  • Planet: By 2030, HanesBrands will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 25 percent to align with science-based targets, reduce water use by 25 percent, use 100 percent renewable electricity in company-owned operations, and bring landfill waste to zero.
  • Product: At an even quicker pace, HanesBrands will eliminate all single-use plastics and reduce packaging weight by 25 percent while also moving to 100 percent recycled polyester and sustainably sourced cotton.

“Our 2030 global sustainability goals across all three people, planet and product platforms expand our efforts to address key challenges that will make the world a more comfortable, livable and inclusive place,” said HanesBrands CEO Stephen B. Bratspies. “As a global industry leader, HanesBrands has an opportunity to make a greater impact through our workplace practices, environmental stewardship and community building initiatives. We’re ramping up our efforts to pursue ambitious goals that will connect our strategies with the global priorities of the U.N. SDGs to improve the lives of people, protect the planet and ensure world-class sustainable products.”

As part of the company’s 2030 goals, HanesBrands has signed the Science Based Targets Call-to-Action Commitment Letter, pledging the company to develop science-based targets by 2022.

HanesBrands has a proven track record in demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship. The company has significantly reduced energy use and carbon emissions since implementing an energy management program in 2007. Other recent achievements include being named one of the 100 most sustainable companies in the nation by Barron’s; becoming the only apparel company in history to earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award; and earning a leadership level A- score for the second year in the CDP 2019 Climate Change Report.

The company also is building on its long history of employee volunteerism, which provides ample opportunities for its employees to give back to their communities. Through its 2030 goals, HanesBrands is encouraging its 63,000 employees in more than 40 countries to become actively engaged in their communities by volunteering their time.

HanesBrands’ Sustainability Website

HanesBrands’ new sustainability website, www.HBISustains.com, represents the next evolution in the company’s industry-leading corporate responsibility program. The website details the company’s historical progress on environmental metrics, workplace practices, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and long-term vision to promote the well-being of its people and their communities, the preservation of the planet, and the sustainability of its products.

The website is designed to increase transparency into the company’s operations, systems, processes and products to all HanesBrands stakeholders.

“As a global industry leader, it is critical for us to have a strong plan in place to become better stewards of our planet, advocates for our people, and to continue to develop products that are made from the best possible combination of sustainable materials and innovative technology,” said Chris Fox, vice president of corporate social responsibility, HanesBrands. “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, so we sustain our commitment to them and to being community-minded and environmentally conscious. Our 2030 global goals will lead our sustainability journey into the next decade.”

Increased Stakeholder Transparency and Disclosures in Corporate Governance

Unlike most companies in the apparel industry, HanesBrands primarily manufactures its garments in company-owned plants across the globe and operates a balanced supply chain across hemispheres, including fabric production and sewing. Owning the majority of its supply chain not only impacts cost, scale and flexibility, but also the ability to adhere to best-in-class management and environmental practices.

As part of the improved transparency the new website offers, HanesBrands will be providing insights on a number of key metrics including:

  • Greater transparency around the depth of its human rights programs including Corporate Human Rights Benchmark disclosures;
  • Global gender, U.S. gender and U.S. ethnicity data;
  • Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) information on the financial impacts of climate-related risks and opportunities, including those related to the global transition to a lower-carbon economy; and
  • Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) disclosures that will enable better comparisons of the company’s sustainability performance against those of others including environmental impacts and labor conditions in the supply chain and raw materials sourcing.

“The world needs all of us to do better, and we will,” Bratspies said. “We’ve done a lot, but we must do more. Whether you call it sustainability, or just being as good as we can be, it’s a big deal to me. And it’s a big deal to HanesBrands.”

Posted October 30, 2020

Source: HanesBrands

Gerber Technology And Alvanon Announce 3D Collaboration To Achieve Unsurpassed Fit And eCommerce Success

NEW YORK CITY — October 29, 2020 — Gerber Technology continues to expand its global network and today announced a collaboration with Alvanon that will further strengthen their powerful 2D-to-3D for fit solution. The new collaboration between Gerber and Alvanaon will allow fashion and apparel companies to accurately simulate their customer’s size and fit. As COVID-19 continues to drive an increase in online shopping, it is important for fashion companies’ clothing perfectly fits the body shape and sizes of each of their customers. Through this collaboration, Gerber’s AccuMark® 3D users will be able to leverage the Alvanon Body Platform (ABP) to develop production-ready 3D samples and reduce fit errors. The collaboration, which will be demonstrated at ideation 2020, will empower and accelerate digital product development and eCommerce.

“We know how difficult it is for fashion and apparel companies right now as they navigate through the pandemic,” said Mary McFadden, vice president of CAD Product Management. “Digital transformation is now inevitable for companies who want to succeed in the next era and our collaboration with Alvanon will give them the tools they need to fully transform product development.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated challenges within the fashion and apparel industry. Over the past several months, many companies have had to shut down their brick and mortar locations, adjust to working remotely and rely on eCommerce for a majority of their sales. Gerber’s collaboration with Alvanon will help fashion companies recover from the pandemic and succeed in the new reality by enabling digital product development and eCommerce. Through the powerful combination of AccuMark 2D/3D and the Alvanon Body Platform, fashion companies will be able to develop perfectly-fitting garments that accurately reflect the sizes and body shape of their customer base, resulting in less returns and more satisfied customers.

“We have an opportunity today, with the technology and tools available to us, to build a new future for the apparel industry,” said Jason Wang, COO of Alvanon. “One where the digital and physical are closely connected and work together.”

Fashion brands, retailers and manufacturers will be able to go into Alvanon’s vast library of over 6,000 3D virtual bodies, each representing a specific brands’ fit standards, and download the 3D avatars for AccuMark 3D, use it to test patterns in all sizes and validate fit. Alvanon’s library offers both standard (ASTM) and brand-specific avatars.

Posted October 30, 2020

Source: Gerber Technology

ABMT Introduces New In-Stock Program, With Certified Organic Cotton Proudly In The Mix

MELBOURNE, Australia — October 30, 2020 — ABMT has launched an in-stock program featuring its well known wool-based products as well as its certified organic cotton-based textiles.

Revered for its ethical, traceable Merino innovations, ABMT is a vertically integrated manufacturer best known for its wool-based fabrics. From research to testing to production to distribution, ABMT implements sustainable and responsible practices at all levels of its operations. It also brings an equally high level of ecological care with regard to its certified organic cotton products.

“We’re clearly known for creating unrivaled wool and wool blends,” said Julian Collins, sales manager at ABMT. “But we’ve also spent years applying our profound understanding of organic materials to generate some of the world’s finest cotton, and we’re proud to say we’ve been doing it all right here in Melbourne. At the end of the day, we want our new and existing customers to feel something they’ve never felt when it comes to this staple fiber.”

To give global customers access to the in-stock program, ABMT is working through its trusted partner Concept III, a textile sourcing firm renowned for its high standards in evaluating mills and manufacturers.

“ABMT is a worldwide leader in natural fibers, so it’s no surprise their ceritified organic cotton products are just as remarkable as their wools,” said Chris Parkes, president of Concept III. “Having all these organic cotton innovations on hand and in stock is a game changer. I think apparel brands are really going to be blown away by the impressive array of textures and features found in ABMT’s cotton-based products.”

Posted October 30, 2020

Source: ABMT

ASTM International Cancels All In-Person Standards Meetings Through February 2021

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — October 30, 2020 — In light of COVID-19 and ongoing safety concerns for members and staff, ASTM International announced today that all scheduled in-person January and February 2021 standards development meetings (including independent meetings) have been canceled.

In July, ASTM International announced the cancellation of all in-person meetings for the remainder of 2020.

These decisions are based on several factors, including, but not limited to:

  • Continued review of information and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and other governmental bodies;
  • Input from ASTM International members whose organizations are concerned with travel; and
  • Specific information on projected restrictions in the city of Louisville, KY provided by the January Committee Week hotel.

Although all fall in-person standards development meetings (including independent meetings) were previously canceled through the end of the year, the important work of our committees will continue virtually over the next few months.

View the status of your committee’s next meeting by visiting www.astm.org/meetings.

For additional resources – including PDF guides for members participating virtually – please visit www.astm.org/updates/committees.html.

Earlier this year, ASTM International also announced they are providing no-cost public access to a suite of more than two dozen standards used in the production and testing of personal protective equipment to combat the coronavirus public health emergency. For more information, visit www.astm.org/COVID-19.

Posted October 30, 2020

Source: ASTM International

Tiger Group Auctioning Inventory, Equipment From Wholesaler Of Promotional Apparel And Hardgoods on Nov. 12

KENT, Wash. — October 30, 2020 — Tiger Group will be conducting online auction on November 12 of textile embellishment and warehouse equipment, blank inventories of apparel and hardgoods, and intellectual property of a wholesale supplier of custom-designed promotional products for the giftware and tourism industries that is now winding down operations.

The offering of manufacturing assets from the company’s 72,000-square-foot Kent facility includes screen printers from Challenger and M&R; embroidery machines from Hirsch, Tajima and Barudan; Amscomatic folders; dryers and pad printers.

Blank inventory up for bid includes tee shirts, sweatshirts, fleece wear, jackets, hats and caps, socks, mugs, water bottles, totes, and a variety of other apparel and gift items.  Bidders will also vie for intellectual property from the 65-year-old company, including contracts, artwork and graphics, customer lists and website URLs.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to purchase well maintained screen printing, embroidery and pad printing machinery and peripherals,” said John Coelho, senior director of Tiger Group’s Commercial & Industrial division. “Screen printers and others in the textile and apparel embellishment industry — along with any company seeking over-the-road rolling stock, material handling equipment, plant support and office FF&E — will be interested in this unique opportunity to purchase exceptionally clean equipment that is perfect for supporting existing operations or startups. The many available M&R screen printing machines have had comprehensive scheduled and preventative maintenance, with all replacement parts purchased directly from the manufacturer.”

Online bidding at SoldTiger.com will commence at 10:30 a.m. (PT) on November 5 and will close at 10:30 a.m. (PT) on November 12.  All bidders are required to register prior to the sale at SoldTiger.com.

Posted October 30, 2020

Source: Tiger Group

Champion® Athleticwear Gears Up For Outdoor Conditions With Latest Product Innovation: The Reverse Weave StormShell™ Fleece

WINSTON SALEM, N.C. — October 28, 2020 — Champion Athleticwear, maker of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, is debuting a proprietary product innovation, the Reverse Weave StormShell™ Fleece, that reinvents the brand’s iconic Reverse Weave™ hoodie with new outerwear features. The Reverse Weave StormShell Fleece features windproof technology and water-repellent materials, uniting everything fans love about a hoodie with the functionality of a traditional outerwear jacket. The hoodie, which is a first in its category, takes the sportswear brand to the next level by allowing outdoor enthusiasts to do more in high-performing sweats than ever before.

Developed in Japan, Champion spent years exploring untapped terrain by testing and trialing this innovation through its C-Lab Design Team to perfect the design. The C-Lab is where technology and collaborations with athletes and partners come to life to create next-level designs, using elevated, cutting-edge materials. True to the heritage design that made Champion a classic, now everyone can keep moving in their favorite hoodie, re-engineered to shield them from rain, wind and colder temperatures.

“We wanted to create a garment that had the quality and comfort everyone expects of our products but that featured the functionality and utility of an outerwear jacket,” said Ned Munroe, chief global design officer at Hanesbrands Inc. “Every aspect of this hoodie, from the fabric, hood and zippers, was carefully innovated with the mindset of addressing the specific lifestyle needs of consumers, further establishing the sweats category so they can now wear them in different conditions.”

Champion’s Reverse Weave StormShell is a unique three-layer fabric that provides water repellency, a windproof barrier and Thermolite® heat retention technology, which allows fans to sport their sweats and feel comfortable, even in diverse climates. Additional design features include a streamlined hood, a low profile embedded drawcord, zipper pockets to secure your valuables and Vislon zippers for strength and performance. The classic Champion patch has been modernized in water-resistant silicon.

“The Reverse Weave StormShell Fleece is the type of hoodie people can go anywhere and do anything in,” said David Robertson, director,, Champion Global Brand Marketing. “It’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, urban commuters and anyone in-between. It’s everyone’s favorite Champion hoodie, now built to better protect when more diverse weather hits.”

Champion’s premium Reverse Weave StormShell Fleece is the must-have piece for fall. Offered in classic colors black and oxford heather gray and available in two styles, an anorak hoodie retailing for $175 and full zip hoodie retailing for $150, these hoodies can be found exclusively on Champion.com and in Champion retail stores.

Posted October 28, 2020

Source: Champion Athleticwear

Donaldson Introduces Rugged Pleat Baghouse Dust Collector

MINNEAPOLIS — October 28, 2020 — Donaldson Company Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of filtration systems and parts, today introduced the Donaldson Torit® Rugged Pleat (RP) baghouse industrial dust collector. The collector is designed to capture heavy and abrasive dust inherent to woodworking, mining, grain processing and other industries.

The new RP baghouse collector features Donaldson’s SuperSep™ inlet which pre-separates up to 97 percent of the dust before it hits the filters and the PerfectPulse™ cleaning system focuses cleaning energy directly over the filters, supporting long life. With its new Ultra-Web® Spunbond filters, the collector is capable of providing up to 94-percent fewer emissions as compared to baghouses equipped with standard 16-oz. singed polyester bags, which makes it ideal for heavily regulated industries and operations that recirculate conditioned air in their facilities.

“The Rugged Pleat baghouse collector offers unrivaled performance and efficiency,” said Joe Kiolbasa, product manager in the Industrial Air Filtration division of Donaldson. “This new technology will help facility managers tackle air quality and occupational health and safety issues, while providing a lower total cost of ownership over the life of the collector.”

The new RP baghouse dust collector utilizes 44-percent fewer filters than traditional baghouse collectors, resulting in a 72-percent reduction in change-out times. In keeping with Donaldson’s commitment to providing comprehensive filtration solutions, the RP baghouse includes the iCue™ connected filtration monitoring service which allows customers to remotely monitor, manage, and optimize the operation of the dust collector.

Posted October 28, 2020

Source: Donaldson Company, Inc.

Faribault Woolen Mill Co. Debuts In Chicago

CHICAGO — October 28, 2020 — Faribault Woolen Mill Co. — maker of handcrafted blankets, decorative throws, apparel and accessories established in 1865 — opens its first-ever Chicago store in the Shops at North Bridge on November 1, 2020.

The Faribault Woolen Mill is located in Faribault, Minn. and is one of the longest standing woolen mills in the country, where fifth-generation craftspeople take raw wool through a twenty two-step process to make blankets, throws, scarves and accessories. This is the company’s first store in Chicago.

“Our Michigan Avenue store allows us to introduce our premium products to the capital city of the Midwest,” said Paul Grangaard, chairman and CEO of Faribault Woolen Mill Co. “Chicagoland shoppers are now able to experience the quality of our products in person. We look forward to debuting our entire offering including Chicago-specific merchandise like the iconic city flag blanket and the top-selling city map throw.”

The launch will be supported with a PR and marketing campaign involving partnerships with local restaurants to support outdoor dining this winter. Faribault Woolen Mill Co. is excited to provide the Chicago restaurant community support and solutions as they pivot towards the colder fall and winter months.

“We are absolutely thrilled to continue the work of expanding this heritage brand in a myriad of ways,” said Ross Widmoyer, president and COO of Faribault Mill Woolen Co. “Our Chicago store expansion is a natural next step that aligns well with our midwestern roots. We look forward to entering the market safely and sustainably, and hope our timeless blankets keep Chicagoans warm for years to come.”

In addition to the Chicago store opening, the company plans to expand its retail footprint in other American cities in 2021.

Posted October 28, 2020

Source: Faribault Woolen Mill Co.

Chico’s FAS Accelerates its Digital Transformation

FORT MYERS, Fla. — October 28, 2020 — Chico’s FAS Inc. is accelerating its digital transformation and enhancing its position as a customer-first company. The company is innovating the customer experience to drive greater digital sales across its Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma brands.

In October, the company invested in new strategic relationships with leading technology companies, including Salesforce, Afterpay and Contentstack to modernize and personalize the digital experience for its customers. In the coming months, these collaborations are expected to leverage customer relationships to maximize marketing campaigns; fuel customer acquisition; and establish a single 360-degree view of customer data to create relevant communication and a personalized customer experience.

“Customers’ behaviors are changing, and we have developed a customer-first model where the customer is the channel. As we innovate how we seamlessly engage with and serve her, we will continue to undergo continuous optimization of the digital experience across all of our brands to forge deeper relationships, accelerate growth, drive greater profitable sales and gain market share,” said Molly Langenstein, Chief Executive Officer and President, Chico’s FAS.

One Digital Platform to Create a Seamless Customer Experience

Chico’s FAS is collaborating with Salesforce, a leading customer relationship management (CRM) provider, to modernize its marketing platform and deliver personalized customer engagement at scale. As a customer-first and customer-obsessed organization, Chico’s FAS is unlocking its ability to deliver lifecycle marketing using predictive intelligence to optimize messaging to each customer across all channels. Chico’s FAS is developing a single platform with a unified view of its customers through robust customer data that has been collected for more than three decades. This includes leveraging Chico’s FAS loyalty program, which has some of the highest participation rates in retail.

Buy Now, Pay Later

This holiday season, customers will have a new way to shop the company’s online boutiques, enjoy her purchases now and pay for them later with interest-free installments. Beginning Oct. 28, customers will have the option to use Afterpay to purchase the latest fashions from all three brands. Chico’s FAS commitment to speed and innovation resulted the implementation of this new customer service offering in just eight weeks.

Evolving the Personalized Shopping Experience

For more than three decades, millions of loyal customers have shopped Chico’s FAS brands for the one-on-one relationships they’ve established with stylists and the personalized experience they consistently receive during each interaction. Through Chico’s FAS partnership with Contentstack, the company is further building upon its foundation for delivering personalized content to customers based upon personal preference, region and weather.

“As we enhance our position as a customer-first company, organizational agility and speed-to-market are top priorities. Our teams have come together to accelerate critical areas of our digital transformation in months instead of years,” said Laura Loughran, Senior Vice President of Technology, Chico’s FAS. “As the customer continues to evolve her shopping habits, we will expand our digital services to seamlessly personalize her shopping journey at each of our brands to maximize Customer Lifetime Value. This will be critical to meeting the needs of both our loyal customers today and the increasing number of new customers that join our community.”

Posted October 28, 2020

Source: Chico’s FAS Inc.

1...9989991,000...2,671Page 999 of 2,671

Sponsors

Breaking News

Load more

Digital Issue

2026 Quarterly Issue III

View Latest Digital Issue

FEATURED ARTICLES

© Copyright 2017 Textile Industries Media Group, LLC.