Metropark launches a custom interactive Twitter interface, Metropark REVERB, which directly feeds Twitter comments mentioning Metropark into the numerous plasma television screens located in each store as well as across the entire sixty-eight store Metropark network.

REVERB gives users the ability to interact with Metropark, whether they want to speak to their overall Metropark shopping experience, mention products they bought or are interested in, or simply have the instant gratification of seeing their tweets posted in real-time.

On screen, Metropark REVERB uses a three-dimensional map to plot and display tweets mentioning Metropark. Each user mention contains profile location information that is reflected on an interactive globe. Metropark has seen tweets posted by users in the United States as well as China, South America and Europe. In addition to global reach, the possibilities of new customer reach are also significant. With REVERB, Metropark has the unique ability to reach potential customers, as those who tweet are in turn followed by others who may not be familiar with Metropark.

"We fully recognize the power that Twitter gives its users. We have already seen a great deal of feedback from our fashion and tech savvy customers who have readily embraced this new interactive customer experience," said Renee Bell, CEO, Metropark. "With hundreds of tweets mentioning Metropark over Thanksgiving weekend alone, we are excited by this opportunity to further interact with current and potential customers. We are actively listening and responding to all types of customer feedback in an innovative way."

In addition to launching the Metropark REVERB Twitter interface, Metropark recently launched a dynamic iPhone app showcasing innovative new features previously unavailable on competitors' iPhone apps.

 

GXS and Inovis announce they have signed a definitive merger agreement which will help further streamline customers' global B2B deployments and provide them with a comprehensive range of B2B integration software and services-based solutions. 

GXS is a B2B e-commerce services provider focused on helping customers optimize their global supply chains through its software-as-a-service (SaaS) and software-based portfolio that includes B2B messaging services, supply chain visibility, product master data management and B2B Gateway software.

Inovis is a B2B Gateway software provider with a strong portfolio of complementary software and services including managed file transfer, supply chain visibility, product catalog, B2B Gateway and multi-enterprise master data management software. The combined company creates a leading global provider of B2B e-commerce services and gives the company an even greater global presence.

GXS and Inovis expect to close the merger in early 2010, subject to regulatory review. During the merger closing process, all services and solutions will continue to be supported and sold. The company's goal is to give customers capable, reliable, high-performance solutions for all their B2B e-commerce needs.

 

Staples Revamps Fulfillment Center Network

Staples announces it has improved processes across its combined fulfillment center network.

"In terms of integrating our fulfillment center network we're now testing our first warehouse in North America that will fill orders from both legacy Corporate Express and Staples customers," says Ron Sargent, Chairman and CEO. 

Sargent continues, "More broadly, our supply chain strategy is to take the best of both worlds by combining some of Corporate Express key capabilities like outbound transportation and route optimization tools with some of Staples existing capabilities like warehouse management and replenishment systems."

Staples also will continue to consolidate its warehouse network across Europe. "In the third quarter we consolidated our warehouse operating in Italy and we're on track to complete three more warehouse projects during the fourth quarter," adds Sargent. "By year end we will have close 10 such facilities since the acquisition."