YOOX NET-A-PORTER GROUP TAPS IBM TO ENHANCE OMNI-CHANNEL EXPERIENCE
Global online luxury retailer Yoox Net-A-Porter Group S.p.A. (YNAP) and technology company IBM have entered into a long-term strategic partnership that will enable YNAP to enhance its focus on delivering customer-centric innovation in its omni-channel capabilities. As a result, Yoox Net-A-Porter Group’s teams across Italy and the UK will develop and deploy a distinctive proprietary technology architecture that will combine IBM’s Commerce technology products with YNAP’s in-house developed solutions uniquely tailored to the needs of its customers.
“This game-changing alliance will benefit our customers and brand partners, allowing us to push our ambitions even further as we continue to create the future of fashion,” said Alex Alexander, chief information officer of Yoox Net-A-Porter Group. “The partnership with IBM will enable our exceptionally talented technology team to focus on what it is renowned for: industry-leading innovation, cutting-edge technology and customer-centric solutions.”
YNAP and IBM have created a Fashion & Luxury Innovation Committee, a think-tank where Yoox Net-A-Porter Group and its brand partners can contribute ideas and input to IBM for the continuous development of bespoke e-commerce solutions. Similarly, Yoox Net-A-Porter Group will join the IBM Customer Advisory Council, a forum for a select group of IBM customers, whose input can directly influence future IBM product development.
“The fashion industry is constantly reinventing itself and creating innovative ways to engage with digital savvy shoppers,” said John Mesberg, general manager of offering management and strategy at IBM Commerce. “By embracing IBM Commerce capabilities, Yoox Net-A-Porter Group is perfectly positioned to engage with shoppers through personalized experiences that are based on their unique style and shopping preferences and delivered across any device or channel.”
Additionally, Yoox Net-A-Porter Group operates multi-brand proprietary online stores as well as numerous online flagship stores of some of the leading global fashion and luxury brands, from armani.com to valentino.com all “Powered by YNAP”. IBM Order Management will enable YNAP to enhance its omni-channel offer, allowing for seamless inventory integration between YNAP and the Brands’ distribution centers and retail network. IBM Order Management will also be a key enabler for the realization of the Group’s Global Stock synergies by allowing customers from anywhere in the world to access one global virtual inventory, translating into higher sell-through and retail margins.
The partnership will also extend to IBM WebSphere Commerce, IBM’s e-commerce suite, which offers sophisticated business tools, including precision marketing and merchandising, allowing full independence of usage by internal and external business stakeholders. Flexible and customizable user interfaces will also enable complete site personalization. Building on IBM WebSphere Commerce, Yoox Net-A-Porter Group will be able to create distinctive and unique customer and brand experiences for all of its multi-brand and mono-brand storefronts, across the different touch points.