Retail Directions announces new partnership with Vexall
Global retail software specialist, Retail Directions, announces a new partnership with South African ICT services organisation, Vexall (Pty) Ltd, to enable them to provide Retail Directions’ unified retail management platform to South African retailers.
Unlike other retail systems, the Retail Directions platform operates around a central integrated database for fully connected, omnipresent retailing. Using message queuing, this architecture gives retailers a single source of the truth, without making stores dependent on a centralised system.
Clients of Retail Directions benefit from its simplified and future-proofed retail technology platform, reduced operating costs, and the capability to deliver seamless and personalised experiences for consumers and staff alike.
The partnership brings together dedicated in-country support from both sides, augmented by Retail Directions’ global resources and continuous improvement projects, which are backed by the Australian Government’s research and development program. The partnership also gives Vexall access to Retail Directions’ global network and knowledge base, to further develop the South African retail technology landscape.
Andrew Gorecki, Managing Director, Retail Directions, said: “Our close engagement with Vexall presents both organisations with a valuable opportunity to fill a gap in the South African retail technology partner space.
Our combined technology and local support will help both fashion and general merchandise retailers in South Africa to build a resilient and easy to manage technology platform, which will underpin their retail operations. We have made a long-term commitment to the South African market, and have invested in our own people in the region to support Vexall and our retail clients in the region.”
With Retail Directions’ 30 years’ experience in the marketplace, coupled with Vexall’s knowledge, specialisation and presence in all major cities, plus other regions around South Africa, the new partnership will add value for the South African economy.
Gorecki concludes: “We strategically chose South Africa because of its vibrant retail market and the availability of highly skilled people. When looking for a technology implementation partner in the region’s retail technology market, we chose Vexall because of their inherent sector knowledge, customer-centric outlook, as well as their values, vision and work ethic reflecting our own.”
Dewet Devenier, Operations Executive, Vexall, said: “Vexall’s synopsis of South Africa’s fashion and general merchandise marketplace highlighted the need for a retail management system that offers an end-to-end yet modular solution, that is inherently rich in functionality, whilst continually evolving in-line with changing technology trends.”
Devenier continues: “The collaboration between Vexall and Retail Directions unlocks all these aspects while positioning a solution with flexible commercial models sensitive to South African market conditions.
The real value, however, lies in the ability to offer a truly global Retail Management system, delivered by an in-country capability, inherently skilled and experienced in South African retail market conditions.”
Devenier concludes: “Our partnership with Retail Directions is closely aligned with Vexall’s strategic objectives and we are excited at the opportunity to establish and develop a South African and African client base.”
In times of market and global uncertainty, this partnership provides assurance, stability, and benefits to the South African economy, such as Australian-backed investment, as well as joint investment in training, development, and recruitment for its South African employees.
Howard Barratt, Principal Consultant at Retail Directions in South Africa, said: “Together, Retail Directions and Vexall are now able to offer South African retailers a globally proven retail solution that will give them a foundation for growth, whilst helping them to improve the experience for both their customers and staff.”
Barratt, who is based in Cape Town, adds: “In volatile economic times, we are keen to help South African retailers bring both resilience and innovation to their operations. I am looking forward to developing our relationship and see this as the start of a long-term commitment between Retail Directions and Vexall.”
Retail Directions and Vexall have already secured their first joint retail client in South Africa and have generated strong interest amongst South African fashion and general merchandise retailers, who are keen to explore the benefits of the partnership.