rue21 Selects First Insight for New Product Testing

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Fast Fashion Retailer is Using Predictive Analytics to Assist with Buying Decisions

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May 1, 2018First Insight, Inc., a technology company transforming how leading retailers make product investment and pricing decisions, and rue21, a U.S.-based fast fashion retailer, today announced that they have forged a long term partnership. rue21 is using First Insight’s consumer-driven predictive analytics to make design and buying decisions on categories including apparel, footwear and accessories.

“rue21 is re-energizing the brand, and that starts with having the right product at the right price,” said Michael Appel, CEO of rue21. “First Insight is helping us ensure we have differentiated products that our customers will value. We are already seeing results through eliminating under-performing products early in the selection process, while re-investing our inventory dollars into higher performers.”

“First Insight is enabling us to test a wide range of possible new products within 24 to 48 hours.  This capability enables us to drive speed to market with the right items, which is critical for a fast fashion retailer,” said Karen Pinney, chief merchandising officer. “When compared to in-store testing, First Insight is faster, more accurate and less costly because we avoid buying unproductive store test inventory.”

First Insight uses online social engagement tools to gather real-time preference, pricing and sentiment data on potential product offerings. The information is filtered through First Insight’s predictive analytic models to determine which products present the greatest opportunity. The solution is enabling rue21 to evaluate a greater number of products and reflect direct consumer input in their buying decisions. 

“We’re in the middle of a retail renaissance and while the retail industry outlook doesn’t look as dire as it once did, it’s more important than ever for retailers and brands to execute to really thrive,” said Greg Petro, CEO and founder of First Insight. “It’s exciting to see rue21 investing in technology to help them make better buying and pricing decisions as part of their strategy to become closer to their customers and differentiate their assortments.”

About First Insight, Inc.

First Insight is the world’s leading provider of solutions that empower retailers and brands to incorporate the voice of the consumer into the design and merchandising of new products. Through the use of online consumer engagement, the First Insight solution gathers real-time consumer data and applies predictive analytic models to create actionable insights, which drive measurable value. Retailers, manufacturers and brands use the First Insight solution to design, select, price and market the most profitable new products for reduced markdown rates and improved sales, margins and inventory turnover. Customers include some of the world’s leading vertically integrated brands, sporting goods companies, department stores, mass merchant retailers and wholesalers. For further information, please visit www.firstinsight.com.

About rue21

rue21, a leading teen specialty retailer, believes that fashion plays an important role in the journey to self-discovery. Choose a style, make it your own. You’re an individual, and you need fresh, feel-good pieces that let you totally own it. That’s why the retailer works to make the latest trends affordable and available to anyone. Its mission is to make fashion everyone’s playground. Headquartered just north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, rue21 currently operates 752 stores in 45 states in shopping malls, outlets and strip centers, and on its website. For more information, visit www.rue21.com. The freedom to be you is rue!

Contacts

First Insight
Gretchen Jezerc
SVP of Marketing
gretchen.jezerc@firstinsight.com

Media
Michael McMullan
Berns Communications
(212) 994-4660

Retail Analytics  Press Releases  retail technology  product testing  Menswear  accessories  Reduce Store Testing  womenswear  retail disruption  overview  new customer  rue21