Netplex develops Web-based sales kiosk system for Phillips-Van Heusen

The kiosks interact with Phillips-Van Heusen's existing e-commerce and back-end order processing systems via the Internet, and will test the function of allowing customers to instantly order out-of-stock or special size items.

Netplex and PVH designed the in-store kiosks to enable the Van Heusen Retail division to maximize its sales potential by securing sales that are usually lost due to a lack of in-store availability. Shoppers choose items through the kiosk's touchscreen, customize the size and color and provide payment information. Phillips-Van Heusen processes the order and ships the merchandise to the purchaser's address.

The Netplex Retail Consulting practice, which has been developing retail-focused technology solutions since 1985, created the Phillips-Van Heusen kiosk solution using the advanced IBM WebSphere Commerce Suite software platform for developing e-business applications. Netplex's Internet security experts contributed to the solution by ensuring customer confidentiality, transaction security and overall system reliability.

"The new kiosk system extends our stores' inventory, which allows us to better serve our customers," said Matt Skinner, Phillips-Van Heusen's group vice president and director of corporate applications. "Our Van Heusen Retail stores can now accommodate customers who once may have gone elsewhere because we did not have their selection on the shelf."

A pilot program for the kiosks will be run in several PVH-owned Van Heusen Retail stores across the country, allowing the company to assess the consumer demand for the kiosk and fine-tune the solution and business model, Skinner said.