ATLANTA, Jan. 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Global supply chain optimization provider Manhattan Associates, Inc. (Nasdaq:MANH) is providing supply chain solutions to support the continued growth of companies Crocs, Inc. and Vera Bradley.
Crocs, Inc., sells its footwear, apparel and accessories throughout the U.S. and in more than 90 countries worldwide and Vera Bradley creates stylish quilted cotton luggage, handbags and accessories. Each recently selected Manhattan solutions as part of its supply chain optimization strategy.
"Manhattan Distribution Management solutions uniquely equip companies such as Crocs and Vera Bradley to respond quickly and plan appropriately for periods of explosive growth when brand awareness and demand are at their highest levels," said Jeff Mitchell, executive vice president, Manhattan Associates. "Our solutions provide visibility within supply chains so companies can see the flow of orders and inventory, and can forecast their labor requirements during peak periods."
Crocs, Inc. will begin implementing Manhattan's Distribution Management solutions in two major distribution centers in Leon, Mexico and Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Crocs markets its products through a wide range of distribution channels, including traditional footwear retailers and specialty channels, as well as selling directly to consumers through its web site and company-operated kiosks. Over the past three years, the company has grown into a global player in the footwear market.
"In operating across multiple geographies and distribution channels, it is important for us to build a standard global platform with a solution that offers built-in flexibility," said Alex Poole, director of global supply chain development for Crocs, Inc. "Manhattan's solutions will play an important role as we build out our worldwide infrastructure."
Vera Bradley has implemented Manhattan's Integrated Logistics Solutions, built on Microsoft(r).NET in its new distribution center in Fort Wayne, Ind., which fills orders from more than 3,500 retail locations for its exclusive handbags and accessories.
"Before we implemented Manhattan's solutions, about half our staff was picking merchandise and half was auditing the orders before they went out. Now, 90 percent of the staff can work on picking orders," said Matt Wojewuczki, vice president of operations for Vera Bradley. "We have visibility into each order to see where it is in the system, managing the entire flow to delivery."
About Crocs, Inc.
Crocs, Inc. is a rapidly growing designer, manufacturer and retailer of footwear for men, women and children under the Crocs(tm) brand.
All Crocs(tm) brand shoes feature Crocs' proprietary closed-cell resin, Croslite(tm), which represents a substantial innovation in footwear. The Croslite(tm) material enables Crocs to produce soft, comfortable, lightweight, superior-gripping, non-marking and odor-resistant shoes. These unique elements make Crocs(tm) footwear ideal for casual wear, as well as for professional and recreational uses such as boating, hiking, hospitality and gardening. The versatile use of the material has enabled Crocs to successfully market its products to a broad range of consumers.
Crocs(tm) shoes are sold in more than 90 countries and come in a wide array of colors and styles. Please visit www.crocs.com for additional information.
About Vera Bradley
Vera Bradley was founded in 1982 by friends Barbara Baekgaard and Patricia Miller. Today, internationally recognized Vera Bradley offers a large selection of cotton quilted handbags, travel bags, accessories, and innovative limited edition lines including beach, sport, and pet collections. Vera Bradley licensed products include fine tableware, furniture, rugs and linens, as well as rolling luggage, stationery, and eyewear and can be seen at verabradley.com.
About Manhattan Associates, Inc.
Manhattan Associates continues to deliver on its 17 year heritage of providing global supply chain excellence to more than 1,200 customers worldwide that consider supply chain optimization core to their strategic market leadership. Manhattan SCOPE(tm) is a portfolio of software solutions and technology that helps organizations optimize their supply chains from planning through execution. SCOPE's Supply Chain Process Platform provides the foundation for five Supply Chain Solution Suites: Planning and Forecasting, Inventory Optimization, Order Lifecycle Management, Transportation Lifecycle Management and Distribution Management. Visibility, Event Management and Supply Chain Intelligence Platform Applications inform all Solution Suites, while X-Suite Solutions combine solutions or their components to address specific supply chain challenges. For more information, please visit www.manh.com.