Friday, August 22, 2008

Dell Simplifies Shopping Experience for Waterford Wedgwood USA

Dell today announced a retail point-of-sale (POS) systems and services agreement with Waterford Wedgwood USA to help simplify operations in each of its 40 luxury goods stores in North America.

Waterford Wedgwood USA selected Dell because of its turnkey hardware, customer support programs, comprehensive implementation services and competitive financing. Also, Dell’s sleek point-of-sale design complements Waterford Wedgwood’s premium brands and contributes to a positive customer checkout experience.

“Partnering with Dell enables us to implement the latest point-of-sale systems, giving us the ability to dramatically reduce information-technology complexity at about one quarter of the cost and at an implementation speed two times faster than if we were to make these changes on our own,” said Michael Fitch, technology manager, Waterford Wedgwood USA. “Immediately after implementing Dell’s hardware, we have calculated an estimated 90 percent reduction in support time due to Dell’s quick and reliable support services. One store has even reported payment authorization as taking place 10 times faster than before.”

Fitch also noted the combination of innovative product offerings and services aimed at simplifying IT will allow Waterford Wedgwood to serve their customers more efficiently. In addition, switching to Dell allows Waterford Wedgwood USA more flexibility to explore new and improved software that was not supported by its previous technology.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dell will supply Waterford Wedgwood USA with a variety of solutions including Dell OptiPlex 745s desktop computers, E157FPT touch screen panels, Dell 1815dn multi-functional laser printers and PCT 2708s PowerConnectTM switches. Additionally, Waterford Wedgwood POS images are installed during the manufacturing process and Dell On-site Services support the nationwide deployment.

“Organizations like Waterford Wedgwood understand the demands of their customers and the impact the right technology can have on their shopping experience,” said Brian Slaughter, Dell’s director of retail. “Dell’s commitment to provide technology and services that simplify information technology enables retailers of all sizes to focus on driving efficiencies in their core business and better serve the needs of their customers.”

Waterford Wedgwood USA is a subsidiary of Dublin, Ireland-based Waterford Wedgwood plc. With annual sales of nearly $1 billion, Waterford Wedgwood plc is one of the world’s largest tabletop, gift, crystal, silver and ceramics company. In addition to Waterford, the Waterford Wedgwood plc family of premium lifestyle brands includes Wedgwood, Rosenthal and Royal Doulton, Johnson Brothers, Minton, Royal Albert, W-C Designs, and exclusive design partnerships with the world’s leading designer and lifestyle brands including Versace, Jasper Conran, Vera Wang, Barbara Barry, John Rocha, Marc Jacobs, Robert Mondavi, Emeril and Gordon Ramsay.

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