Retailers are no strangers to data. With so much data available, it’s more critical than ever for retailers to improve merchandising decisions — leveraging advanced analytics to determine what product to buy, how much to buy, and where to put it. In an intimate conversation, Aéropostale’s SVP of Planning and Allocation, Karen Walter will share some of the critical success factors her team is embracing for better data-driven decisions throughout the merchandising process. Attendees will learn more about: - Why and how Aéropostale adopted analytics in today’s retail environment - A new approach to the Merchandise, Planning, and Allocation process - Why understanding localized demand across product attribute levels is critical to success - How new technologies are blended with existing business process Access the webcast recording here: https://www.celect.com/its-all-in-your-data-aero-webcast-replay-download

1. It’s All in Your Data
An Inside Look at Aéropostale’s Advanced Analytics Strategy

2. Welcome!
© 2018 Celect, Inc. All Rights Reserved.2
Karen Walter
SVP of Planning & Allocation
Todd Harris
Director of Marketing

3. Who’s who?
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60% Specialty
3% E-Commerce
3% Off-Price
18% Monobrand
7% Discount Store
9% Department Store

4. Some background first
• Reveal location specific demand for a
product assortment through advanced
analytics
• Inventory optimization for merchandise
planning and supply chain
• An MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab Top 50
Technology Innovation
© 2018 Celect, Inc. All Rights Reserved.4

5. What we’ll cover today
1. The importance of advanced analytics for Aéropostale
2. Changes in expectations of Planning & Allocation
professionals
3. How to balance new technologies with existing business
process
4. How to gain internal support for driving new initiatives
© 2018 Celect, Inc. All Rights Reserved.5

6. Takeaways
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Our guests had decided for us—their expectations
changed; technology was the accelerant.
— Brian Cornell, CEO, Target
Make a smaller investment to test; learn what you need
to learn; validate what you need to validate.
(to gain confidence across the organization)
— Dana Randall, Head of Innovation, Tapestry

7. © 2018 Celect, Inc. All Rights Reserved.7
What’s your background and have you
always been in retail?
Q

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Who was one of your biggest influencers as
you moved through your career?
Q

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During the last 15 years in the industry, have
you seen anything like what retail has been
going through lately?
Q

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Emerging
technologies
Evolution of malls
Retail is a dynamic industry that reflects
the world we live in
Consumer
preferences
Vast amounts of
data

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Can you breakdown the changes you have
seen in the Planning & Allocation end of the
business?
Q

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What’s the process like internally when
considering business process changes or
new technology adoptions?
Q

13. It all starts with knowing the problem.
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14. Closing the gap for new technology adoption
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Identify the
problem
Cross-functional
buy in
Shop for
solutions
Provide metrics
and results
Solidify financial
plan

15. #Commit2
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16. © 2018 Celect, Inc. All Rights Reserved.16
How have advanced analytics impacted
your role?
Q

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Can you share any of the successes you
have had so far?
Q

18. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
1. Know what problem you are trying to solve
2. Do your research
3. You must get cross-functional buy-in
© 2018 Celect, Inc. All Rights Reserved.18

19. THANK
YOU!
© 2018 Celect, Inc. All Rights Reserved.19
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