Retail - technology and outsourcing
Retailers are driven by the need for cost efficiency and
innovation. Global supply chain management and new channel
strategies have made the retail sector increasingly dependent on a
growing and shifting range of external suppliers, who themselves
are also competing in a dynamically changing environment.
As a result, a strategic approach to vendor management has
become vital, as has a market-informed approach to procurement and
contracting. Effective vendor selection, contracting and management
has become a critical factor in achieving sustained competitive
advantage.
Our service
We are able to advise and support our clients on the legal,
transactional and regulatory aspects of their projects at every
stage of the process from business case to contract, through change
programmes, dispute resolution and exit. Our role can be specialist
and consultative.
Our technology and outsourcing team is one of the largest in
Europe and most highly-rated. On the technology side we of course
understand online and POS/BOS systems, development and support. But
we also have the ability to advise on new forms of technology
developments, as well as in digital media, social networking and
other channels to market; and on the legal implications of advances
in CRM, market approaches to ERP systems or migration towards the
cloud.
Our outsourcing group has a vast range of experience specific to
retail including all aspects of distribution centre management,
logistics, IT, maintenance and support; as well as a wealth of
expertise in other areas impacting retailers such as call centre,
payroll and human resources outsourcing.
Our experience
Our clients include famous names and new entrants, online and
traditional retailers, international brands and ambitiously
expanding business. Examples of our lawyers’ experience
includes:
- A range of POS/BOS system transactions for retailers as diverse
as supermarkets, car services, opticians and hotels and leisure
companies;
- A supply chain management rationalisation programme for a major
retailer, including review and termination of existing
relationships, negotiation of new contracts and transition to new
suppliers
- Flexible staffing contracts for logistics and warehousing staff
with recruitment agencies (e.g. to cover seasonal demand)
- In-store concession contracts, sometimes in conjunction with
our top rated franchising practice
- On-line transaction retail systems build, integration and
management
- The roll-out of global e-commerce platforms, and on
international e-commerce regulation
- ERP systems
- Supplier change management programmes, including in dispute
circumstances
- Exit management and transition to new suppliers
- Use of social media by online retailers
- IT procurement, licensing and open source issues
- Telecoms outsourcing and MVNO deals
We also cover areas such as call centre outsourcing, facilities
management contracts or HR outsourcing which can often be
unfamiliar or one-off projects for retailers, but where our
knowledge across clients and sectors can be of significant
advantage.