Productivity of Space If lack of available space is an issue, during our Needs Assessment, we evaluate the financial performance of all existing classifications. Most retailers maintain a mix that contains classifications and departments that perform sufficiently below store average. These groups reduce the entire financial performance of the company. Since footwear nationally outperforms apparel and Pace generates higher productivity than national footwear benchmarks, it is easy to identify classifications that should be replaced with footwear to optimize the use of space and increase profits. Footwear Provides Greater Differentiation As manufacturers and retailers have consolidated over the years, both retailers and consumers complain about the sameness of product. In the US today, a few major department store chains dominate retail, carrying the same brands and styles. It is vital to retail health that your company is positioned to provide your customers with as much differentiation as possible. There must be solid reasons for your company to be a top of mind choice. Footwear is very fit and function sensitive. In many cases it is very feature-rich with comfort constructions, air systems and eurotech features. Well-managed footwear inventories offers value and differentiation to your customers through superior fit and comfort. Large department stores receive additional vendor support but do not carry sizes, replenish inventories or provide attention to detail comparable to Pace. We develop size models for each location and place precise reorders weekly. With these management strategies, footwear becomes a draw and collateral apparel sales increase. Added Vendor Discounts Pace consolidates clients' orders and works more efficiently with each vendor. As a result, Pace clients receive special pricing across the board on all current styles from key vendors that is unavailable to others. Nationwide Sales Information Using knowledge of nationwide daily sales information, at the sku level, Pace is able to make superior buying decisions. Frequently, sales of seasonal products begin in one part of the country, and other areas follow later. Pace has this information and uses it to its client's advantage. We also have clients' data plus department store data that shows what styles are selling, at what rate and at what price. At times, Pace has been able to cancel orders for under performing skus and place additional backup orders for high performing skus with this advanced sales information. Security All client information is secure and not available to other clients. At the client's preference, Pace is agreeable to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Pace has worked with companies such as General Electric, Bata and leading scientific companies that maintain highly confidential information.