B&Q nails product data dilemma

Stibo Systems, the independent market leader in master data management, today announced it has signed a deal with B&Q, the largest home improvement and garden retailer in the UK, to manage its vast product information line. Initially, Stibo Systems’ STEP platform will support the national launch of Kingfisher’s new ‘TradePoint’ brand.

As TradePoint relies heavily on product information management across all sales channels, Stibo Systems' STEP platform will make rich product information and imagery available to customers via catalogue and in-store points of sale for the new brand now and online in 2011. Following the TradePoint installation, STEP will be rolled out nationwide to ensure coherence across the Kingfisher brands.

Trevor Culpin, TradePoint marketing manager at B&Q commented, “This implementation couldn’t come at a better time. STEP will not only help the TradePoint national launch in the UK, but it will also support us as we develop our multi-channel proposition. With increased customer demand and surging online sales, we have a greater need than ever for clean, accurate product data to deliver the best possible customer experience and to minimise returns.”

“STEP will ensure that all details about our product range are accurate, while also avoiding unnecessary duplications. Clean data not only improves our customers’ purchasing experience, but helps our staff internally. Our IT and marketing departments can focus more on strategic tasks rather than updating lengthy databases, which takes time,” continued Culpin.

Mark Thorpe, UK managing director at Stibo Systems said, “Working with B&Q will further strengthen our experience in the retail sector. By deploying STEP very quickly we are able to support the run-up to the TradePoint launch. Over time STEP will be expanded to other Kingfisher businesses where STEP’s flexibility means that Kingfisher can incorporate different languages and brands to ensure global consistency.”

Source : Business Wire