Ames Department Stores Chooses Retek DW Software

Retek Inc announced that Ames Department Stores has selected Retek Data Warehouse (RDW) software to help Ames manage its rapidly growing retailing and merchandising operations. Connecticut-based Ames, the nation's largest regional, full-line discount retailer, will use RDW to integrate and streamline the information systems for its 460 retail stores into a cohesive, easy-to-access environment. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.

"Our business has nearly doubled in the last couple of years, and with that growth comes more complexity," said Rolando de Aguiar, senior executive vice president, Ames Department Stores. "We need access to up-to-date critical information that tells us how our businesses are performing in all the different areas we operate. It was the main reason we chose to work with Retek. They had the right solution and they understand the unique needs of the retail industry."

Retek Data Warehouse is a powerful system designed exclusively for retailers to track customers and their purchases, as well as to learn, adapt, and predict their behaviors so as to achieve the optimum level of customer service. The Retek Data Warehouse collects critical day-to-day transaction, planning, forecasting and customer behavior information from an array of Retek and third party data sources into one, easy-to-use software package.

According to de Aguiar, Ames needed a system that would allow it to keep pace with its rapid growth and proactively manage merchandising efforts through improved analysis and forecasting. Because RDW is part of a modular information system, Ames is able to focus on its most pressing need of data warehousing first and then easily add merchandising applications as needed.

"RDW gives Ames analysts and buyers capabilities they've never had before," said Gordon Masson, president, Retek Inc. "It allows the company to track customer demands more accurately, analyze buying trends, replenish stock more quickly, trim inventory costs, create bulk orders and manage merchandising more efficiently. Retek is pleased to count Ames Department Stores among its growing list of leading retailers."

A recent acquisition by Ames not only doubled its information volume, but also brought with it incompatible data systems. By implementing RDW, Ames can consolidate its information systems among its retail stores, and provide Ames analysts and buyers with faster information access, new and better views, and improved decision-making ability.

"Our ability to go in and talk to the stores, analyze the data and very quickly make adjustments to their allocations is a significant advantage," said Denis Lemire, president and Chief Operating Officer, Ames Department Stores. "This system greatly enhances our ability to conduct our analysis and buying with faster updates and less time chasing numbers and more time analyzing them."

About Retek Inc

Retek Inc delivers high capacity, full function business infrastructure exclusively for the changing world of retail.

Retek's solutions deliver improved decision-making capabilities and operational efficiencies by enabling supplier network orchestration, multi-channel selling, and retail CRM. Retek solutions are available on client platforms, through retail.com -- Retek's Marketplace for the Retail Community - - and via electronic exchanges operating Retek's Retail Server.

Retek's customers include A&P, AnnTaylor, Brooks Brothers, Family Dollar Stores, Kohl's Department Stores, Bhs, Selfridges, Eckerd Corp, The Home Shopping Network and Fogdog Sports.

For more information, visit Retek's Web site at www.retek.com or call 1-888-61-RETEK. Retek can be contacted in Europe at +44-207-872-5795.

About Ames Department Stores

With 460 stores located in 19 states and the District of Columbia, Ames is the nation's largest regional, full-line discount retailer with annual sales of over $4 billion. Ames offers a broad range of merchandise categories including family apparel, housewares, domestics, electronics, ready-toassemble and patio furniture, jewelry, craft and pet supplies, health and beauty care items, stationery, sporting goods, toys, seasonal products and more.

For more information about Ames Department Stores, please visit www.AmesStores.com or www.espanol.AmesStores.com (in Spanish).