The retailer started to assess potential for RFID-based item level tagging in nine outlets last year, with the aim of increasing availability of men’s suits. Successful results to date have led to the expansion in the additional stores and to lines with “complex sizing structures” such as bras being added. The project will be assessed as it runs throughout 2006.
“Availability is critical to our customers,” said a spokesperson. “They don’t want to come into store, have to order their size then come back for it another day. They want their products to be there as soon as they come in and RFID helps us to manage stock to meet these demands.” However, the spokesperson said it is too early to say whether RFID could be used at item level in other categories, and even in the food aisles.
