All-in-one scan, print and apply price mark-up technology drive significant margin improvement through markdown accuracy

All-in-one scan, print and apply price mark-up technology drive significant margin improvement through markdown accuracy

Body Central, a US multichannel speciality retailer, recently revealed it is using Avery Dennison’s Pathfinder markdown system to increase margins and help enhance the customer experience by improving markdown accuracy.

The Pathfinder all-in-one automated scan, print and apply markdown devices replaced Body Central’s previous ‘red pen’ price markdown process that was slow and inefficient and often meant markdowns weren’t completed on time. The old system also led to missed markdowns and resulted in a missed opportunity to sell an item during the first markdown, versus the second or third.

Improved accuracy and service

As a result of the implementation, Body Central is now able to complete markdowns in 50% less time than with the manual method. The system also helps Body Central ensure that individual stores are executing markdowns effectively, as the reporting capabilities of the Pathfinder provide the tools to collect data for the actual number of markdowns completed for each store, as well as the time to perform markdowns.

Thomas W. Stoltz, Body Central chief operating officer and interim chief executive officer, said: “With the Pathfinder, we're achieving 98% markdown accuracy. This translates to significant margin improvements. With this level of markdown accuracy, the customer experience is improved because shoppers know the price on the ticket will be the price at checkout.”

Body Central has 221 stores located in fashion retail venues across 24 states in the US.