Mercantile Stores

Mercantile Stores

In the retail world Mercantile was a big player in the 80's, with many locations across the US. The company was dedicated to finding new and innovative methods to reduce cost and streamlining inventory, while providing top quality customer service. Mercantile introduced many programs to insure the company's efficiency, as well as exceeding customer expectations.

Mercantile stores view quality as core value to the company as stated in the Mission statement, they believe that buy servicing the customers more efficiently and seamlessly that quality customer service will encourage long term customer relations. Over a ten year span the company introduced a central distribution center and many programs to reduce inventory cost. Mercantile found that distribution from one location to be more efficient, and the adoption of an ERP system (quick response) allowed for cost cutting in inventory management and purchasing. A steady flow of information and Closer relationship with suppliers proved to be very important to cost reduction as well. Mercantile went one step further; the company found that by training managers to own their jobs being responsible and put customer service first, this brought the company closer to the consumers. Training employees became so important to Mercantile stores they established a Business School to train managers in quality practices.

Mercantile stores had proved that with good management and the correct systems in place, the company was able to reduce cost and improve customer service. The quick response system allowed for internal smoothing of operations and flow of goods reducing wasted man hours, in turn the company provided more selection with reduced pricing for the customer. A close relationship with suppliers proved vital to maintain on time delivers to satisfy the demand of the individual outlets, guaranteeing ample inventory and selection for the consumer. Mercantile discovered by empowering their employees, decisions were made close to the customer giving the company first hand knowledge of customer expectations. The company's commitment to training employees has provided the company with highly skilled workers and provided employees with a sense of security. This combination of programs has delivered the highest level of service to the customer.