Canadian fashion retailer Simons is optimizing its inventory and fulfillment processes with the help of AI and predictive analytics technology from Retalon.

The retailer, as it expanded store locations into the U.S. market, wanted a more accurate efficient and scalable approach to maintain optimal assortment levels.

The Retalon solution is helping Simons accurately forecast demand, generate shipment, allocate products, calculate replenishment and enhance promotions, according to a press release.

“Today, in the 21st century, we are moving to a much more granular approach to looking at data, and that’s where Retalon comes in for me. In this era where the customers talk to you through that data, to be able to really hear not only when they’re shouting things but also just whispering very quietly, Retalon helps us move through that data more gradually and make better decisions,” said Simons CEO Peter Simons in the release.

The brand turns over 250,000 style/colors a year and offers a wide range of sizes with much of its assortment having shorter lifecycles. Forecasting demand down to a single product for every store and DC was challenging considering factors like seasonality, fulfillment methods, pricing, lead times, and much more, according to the release.

Prior to Retalon, company buyers managed inventory, promotions, and transfers at stores. The Retalon technology is helping to automate and reduce the time buyers spend on the process.

The retailer also uses Retalon’s forecast to account for warehouse labor demand to better schedule labor during crucial seasonal peaks like Black Friday.

“We were looking for a company that would not just give us a black box that we would get an answer out of and always question it,” said Gary Craig, VP, informational tTechnology at Simons, in the release, “What we found is that we’re able to work directly with the Retalon team, we get right to point, and solve problems quickly.”