OREANDA-NEWS. December 16, 2011. Fujitsu is partnering with JD Williams to bring its online Simply Be brand to the high-street. As part of the pilot scheme, Fujitsu has supplied and managed the implementation of equipment and software across two stores, located in Bury and Liverpool. In addition to this, Fujitsu has supplied a series of innovative in-store tools to enhance customer experience.

Fujitsu has worked closely with JD Williams to create a digitally enhanced experience across the two stores with rich media throughout and ‘magic mirrors’ that enable customers to share photos of themselves in clothes on social media channels, such as Twitter and Facebook, before purchasing. The in-store software underpins the retailers’ ability to supply Simply Be customers with a truly multi-channel experience, ensuing seamless integration with the brands already established online presence.

“Technology is at the heart of providing our customers with an outstanding high street experience and our ability to provide a truly integrated multi-channel service,” said Neil McGowan, CIO, JD Williams. “While many of our competitors are looking at online to expand their services, we see the High Street as a perfect opportunity to get close to our customers while providing the same flexibility, innovation and digitally-led experience they get already. Fujitsu not only brought its heritage within the retail sector to the partnership, it also provided the expertise and innovation we were looking for as we embarked on this exciting move.”

Fujitsu is also supplying equipment and software support to an additional six Simply Be stores planned to launch on the high street in early 2012.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for us to work with an online retailer that is bucking the trend by launching and expanding its high street presence.” explains Andy Taylor, head of retail strategy, Fujitsu UK&I. “The biggest challenge currently facing retailers is how to integrate, manage and make the most of the multi-channel environment and JD Williams has a head-start by already having an incredibly robust online platform. Fujitsu, together with it’s software partner, Enactor has used its expertise to ensure that, not only can JD Williams get the most value from the multi channel environment, but also that the high street presence can be achieved in less than six months from a standing start.

“Intel’s 2nd generation Core process offer a range of benefits in performance, enhanced graphics - as well as reduced total cost of ownership through advanced power management,” said Michelle A. Tinsley, General Manager, Embedded Computing Division at Intel. “With solutions such as Fujitsu’s TP-X II 500 point-of-sale device, retailers will enjoy increased reliability and flexibility to create customer touch points in a variety of environments and better meet shoppers’ needs in this rapidly evolving industry.”