Stocking the right products, in the right sizes, at the right time has long been a challenge for retailers—especially for a powerhouse like David Jones. The 187-year-old department store operates over 40 stores across Australia and New Zealand, plus an online store and shopping app. Now, they’re tackling this challenge head-on by adopting Style Arcade’s AI-powered analytics to refine stock allocation, reduce markdowns, and ultimately drive profitability.
“David Jones is really illuminating the path forward for modern department store trading. They’re not only fully digitizing their buying and planning processes but redefining how brands and retailers collaborate and communicate. It’s an incredible opportunity for Style Arcade to be a part of this transformation,” says Michaela Wessels, Style Arcade CEO & Co-Founder.
Spreadsheets to smart merchandising
Historically, merchandising teams at David Jones have relied on vast amounts of data and complex spreadsheets to manage product distribution across their network. However, as consumer expectations rise and omnichannel shopping continues to evolve, traditional methods no longer cut it.
According to research firm IHL, intelligent data platforms like Style Arcade can help brands and retailers improve gross margins by up to 25% over time—a game-changing shift for a department store like David Jones, to optimize inventory and reduce waste.
“Given the scale of our operations, we expect to see meaningful efficiencies in profitability and inventory turnover while continuing to provide exceptional service to our customers,”
- Bridget Veals, David Jones Executive GM of Womenswear, Footwear & Accessories.
AI-driven insights for smarter stock allocation
With a diverse mix of brands and curated selections across locations, having a deep understanding of product performance is critical—not just for profitability but for providing a seamless shopping experience.
With Style Arcade’s AI-powered analytics, David Jones can leverage the platform’s tools to:
- Improve stock allocation by size and style across all stores and online channels
- Minimize markdowns and reduce overstock by making data-driven buying decisions
- Enhance customer experience by ensuring shoppers can always find their preferred size
- Open communication and collaboration with wholesale partners, and between stores, by sharing rapid trade analysis and reporting
A shift toward digital transformation
David Jones isn’t stopping at smarter stock allocation. As part of its ongoing digital transformation, the retailer is also focusing on:
- Seamless omnichannel retailing: Refining the online and mobile shopping experiences to cater to customer preferences.
- Accurate demand forecasting: Leveraging advanced data analytics to manage over and understocking
- Enhanced digital engagement: Integrating customer touchpoints with AI-driven analysis to improve personalization across digital platforms
“As we continue to evolve, technology will remain a key enabler in delivering exceptional service and efficiency across our network,” said Bridget Veals. By embracing AI-powered merchandising tools, David Jones is setting a new standard for retail efficiency, proving that the future of fashion is data-driven.
Want to see how AI can transform your inventory strategy? Book a demo with Style Arcade today.
