Guess? Launches Hip Generation X Online Store

GUESS?, Inc. (NYSE: GES) the famous Jeans and casual clothing manufacturer is making another foray into the world of online shopping with a trendy, too-cool-not-to-shop Web site aimed at Generation X. The newly redesigned site, www.guess.com, blends e-commerce, fashion, information and cutting-edge multimedia in an interactive environment. Definitely worth seeing.

This new online store appears to indicate that the GUESSS? site is “back in the game,” gearing up for head-on competition with leading apparel companies like Levi’s and the Gap. As a group, these sites are defining a new look-and-feel for a Web savvy, hip e-commerce extravaganza.

According to Paul Marciano, one of the company’s founders, “Internet commerce was a dream last year, a reality today and a ‘must have’ tomorrow that will extend very shortly to all aspects of consumer product without exception. Everything will be within ‘consumer-click’ reach.”

A Phased Approach

The GUESS? online store is slated to “open” officially on March 29, 1999, as the centerpiece of what the company termed “a major Internet commerce initiative” that will be rolled out in multiple phases over the next year.

The first phase will include the launch of GUESS?’s new commerce-enabled site that will feature an intuitive, easy-to-navigate online catalog that will showcase GUESS?’s apparel and accessories. GUESS? intends to integrate the latest product merchandising, order and account management, and business analysis applications from InterWorld, their software partner. InterWorld Corporation provides enterprise-class Internet commerce software for sales, order management, account management and fulfillment.

The second phase will allow GUESS?’s specialty retailers to enter purchases over the Internet for re-ordering merchandise directly from Guess? This business-to-business site will be fully integrated with GUESS?’s back-end order processing systems.

“We hope to increase revenues, decrease costs through an efficient supply chain and enhance customer service and loyalty,” added Maurice Marciano, chief executive officer of GUESS?, Inc.

Background

GUESS?, Inc., which was founded in 1981 by the Marciano brothers, designs, markets, and distributes a variety of casual apparel, accessories and related consumer products. The lines include jeans, pants, overalls, skirts, dresses, shorts, blouses, shirts, jackets and knitwear. In addition, GUESS? has granted licenses to manufacture and distribute a broad range of products that complement GUESS?’s apparel lines, including clothing for infants and children, home collections, footwear, eyewear, watches, handbags and other fashion accessories.