Republic invests in cross-channel

Apparel retailer Republic, a £225 million company that operates 115 stores in the UK and Ireland as well as an online shop, is adding more strings to its multichannel bow.
The retailer has launched a new click and collect initiative allowing customers to shop online and pick the item up in-store. Republic is extending its Torex retail technology together with its ecommerce services provider Venda to coordinate activity across all sales channels to provide a unified order, fulfilment and delivery service. 

The click and collect service was launched on 21st June across the UK after a successful trial in two stores. Online customers can select the Republic store of their choice as the delivery address with the purchase available for collection three days later. Customers are alerted by text when the parcel is ready for collection.

Earlier in the month, Republic launched a mobile website developed by Venda in partnership with m-commerce specialist Digby. The mobile site allows customers to search, browse and buy products from the entire Republic range. Customers are also able to view ratings and reviews and share products with their connections on Facebook, Twitter and email.

Eric Abensur, Venda’s group chief executive, says the Republic site is the first Venda client to go live with a Digby-powered Venda mobile platform. He expects 10 or more similar announcements from Venda’s clients in the next quarter.