August 2014 Integrated Solutions For Retailers
By implementing a cloud-based ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, this SMR achieved omni-channel inventory visibility and a seamless approach to customer-centric retailing.
George’s Music is a 37-year-old multichannel retailer of musical instruments and sound equipment that ranks in the top 1 percent of all music stores in sales volume. The SMR began as a brick-and-mortar retail shop that grew to include catalog sales. About 10 years ago, George’s Music, Inc. launched its e-commerce site, georgesmusic.com, and in 2012, purchased Internet retailer “musiciansbuy.com” as its national commercial site. Today, George’s Music operates nine brick-and-mortar locations and the two e-commerce sites that work seamlessly together. But, as George L. Hines, CEO of George’s Music will tell you, the retailer was once plagued by something many retailers can relate to — siloed channels and disparate data. Hines explains how the integration of brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels was critical to true omni-channel retailing and delivering the best possible customer experience.
