Member Article

Hackett boosts in-store performance with solution from StoreForce

Leading British multi-channel menswear retailer, Hackett, has increased the effectiveness of its shop floor workforce helping to drive up sales thanks to StoreForce’s WFM+ (Workforce Management Plus) platform.

Founded by Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd-Jennings in 1979, Hackett has grown to become a premier British menswear outfitters, specialising in gentlemen’s formal shirts and associated clothing. The brand has developed a reputation for impeccable tailoring and luxurious casual wear, exporting its version of British style to a total of 77 store in 16 countries globally.

The retailer has earned a reputation for customer service excellence with store associates routinely trained in hospitality, as well as tailoring. However, the Hackett board wanted to maximise the effectiveness of its sales team - boosting revenue and creating a more dynamic team structure, while aiming to achieving new heights in customer service.

The company faced challenges on two fronts; competition from outstanding online multi-brand retailers and increasing payroll, rent and business rate costs. Senior management had discovered striking disparities in the way sales teams were being deployed from store to store across its global estate. Their goal was to find a digital solution that would standardise best practice scheduling, help set ambitious achievable targets and motivate the sales team.

Since implementing WFM+, Hackett has reported an increase in both its average transaction value and conversion rate, which has led to an increase in sales. In Hackett’s words, this is because the company has ‘the right number of staff working at the right times to capitalise on the most profitable trading times of the week’. Previously some hard-pressed salespeople were rushing to get customers to the till so they could serve the next customer. With the right staffing levels in place, however, store associates now have enough time to deliver the trademark Hackett customer service, educating the customer, and both cross and up selling products.

Since implementing WFM+, Hackett has been able to reduce its payroll costs whilst improving sales. It has invested the savings back into other key parts of its business.

Nik Porter, head of retail for Northern and Central Europe, said: “The biggest difference since we started working with StoreForce is the improved trading culture. We have a sales team that is incredibly dedicated and loves the Hackett brand, but in some areas may have been a little commercially unaware. The StoreForce solution has changed all that, bringing everyone up to speed.”

“Whenever we engage with an external business we look for a partner. We don’t just look for a solution in a box that we install and run with. We want someone who can train our team, someone who can consult, someone who can ensure we land the programme and StoreForce has provided that,” he added.

Chris Noble, director at StoreForce, added: “It has been a pleasure to assist Hackett as they look to give their workforce the tools they need to ensure their commercial acumen matches their renowned levels of customer service. To truly innovate where employee management is concerned, retailers need to look beyond head count or task management and build a true picture so they can take the guesswork out of scheduling staffing levels by using real-time data about individual store turnover and the effectiveness of individual sales staff.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gareth Poppleton .