TFG (The Foschini Group) is investing in omni-channel retailing technology from e-commerce market leader Oracle ATG, to provide customers with an integrated, seamless shopping experience.
The retail giant will kick off its redeveloped system with the launch of its new corporate web site and the re-launch of two of its 17 retail brands’ web sites to consumers on 26 November 2014. TFG expects the omni-channel project to deliver 5% of turnover by 2018.
High profile retailers using Oracle ATG include Nieman Marcus, John Lewis, Walmart, Urban Outfitters and Michael Kors. The robust and scalable technology platform supports cross-site shopping, enabling TFG to connect its brands including Totalsports, DueSouth, Sportscene, Fabiani and Markham into a single shopping experience.
In addition it offers consumer applications, integrated mobi sites, a call centre solution and in-store sales assistance applications, all of which support the TFG omni-channel strategy. Endeca is also integrated into the solution and is arguably the most important offering from Oracle, allowing TFG to personalise the customer shopping experience.
“The Oracle platform allows the most complex digital businesses to innovate in time with market changes and expand quickly and easily to new touch points and geographies,” says Brent Curry, CIO of TFG.
The omni-channel strategy launches to consumers with homeware store @home and the site of TFG’s mobile and cellular solutions store, hi. However, TFG will overhaul the online shopping experience across all of its 17 brands, with Totalsports, DueSouth, Sportscene, Fabiani, Markham and @homelivingspace in line to join the omni-channel experience in 2015.
The experience for the consumer will ultimately be like visiting an online TFG mall.
Developments in 2015 include website optimisation for mobile phones, app development and virtual gift cards, as well as multi-currency and multi-lingual applications to accommodate expansion into selected African countries.
“TFG is the first national retailer to be fully compliant with current security legislative requirements and will offer 3D Secure on all credit card purchases, with customers given the choice to activate this service,” says Curry.
“TFG will use PayU, a third party transaction partner for credit card data, so that customers can be assured that no personal data is stored on the TFG site. When using a store card to complete a purchase, TFG validates all account details so that payment is secure.”
Shoppers will be able to use their store cards and credit cards, while a rewards programme will allow them to earn and redeem online vouchers. Multichannel media logistics company On The Dot will manage warehousing, delivery and distribution.