From: ASAP
Blue Star Imports L.P., the import arm of U.S.-based apparel retailer American Eagle Outfitters (Nasdaq: AEOS), has named APL Logistics its Ocean Consolidator of the Year.
American Eagle specializes in casual clothing for 15-25 year olds and operates more than 800 retail outlets in the United States and Canada, with sales of $1.5 billion. The retailer said the award stems from "the superb accuracy and reliability of APL Logistics' international consolidation and its supporting information technology and documentation work, which achieved an accuracy rating of 95.8 percent for the year 2003."
APL Logistics consolidates American Eagle and AE-branded clothing and accessories from some 600 factories in the Asia-Pacific and Central American regions, and manages their shipment to the United States and Canada from more than 21 ports.
"American Eagle measures the performance of its consolidators as part of an evaluation system instituted last year," said Hank Shechtman, Blue Star's executive vice president. "We place tremendous emphasis on efficient and reliable distribution, including consolidation, documentation, and shipping of merchandise. APL Logistics' very strong origin operations in global markets and its I.T. capabilities are helping us achieve better visibility, cost control and also helping to ensure that the styles and sizes our customers want will be in our stores precisely when needed," he said.
Hans Hickler, chief executive officer of APL Logistics, said, "We share American Eagle and Blue Star's commitment to quality, reliability and a partnership approach to supply-chain management.
"Our people were evaluated specifically on the basis of their ability to consistently fill and manage purchase orders and to provide detailed electronic packing lists to American Eagle in advance of shipment arrival; and for stock-keeping unit (SKU) accuracy and overall timeliness. Given the complexity of the supply chain -- including operations in both Asia and Central America -- we are particularly pleased that our support has enabled American Eagle to manage its inventory efficiently," he said.
ABOUT AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS - American Eagle Outfitters (NASDAQ: AEOS) is a leading lifestyle retailer that designs, markets, and sells its own brand of relaxed, casual clothing for 15 to 25 year-olds, providing high-quality merchandise at affordable prices. AE's collection includes modern basics like jeans, cargo pants, and graphic T's as well as a stylish assortment of cool accessories, outerwear and footwear. AE's Canadian subsidiary, Bluenotes/Thriftys, offers a more urban/suburban, denim-driven collection for 12 to 22 year-olds. American Eagle Outfitters currently operates 752 AE store in 49 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico; 64 AE stores in Canada; and 106 Bluenotes/Thriftys stores in Canada. AE also operates via its Web business, www.ac.com, which offers additional sizes and styles of favorite AE merchandise.
ABOUT APL LOGISTICS - APL Logistics offers end-to-end supply-chain management services enabled by leading information technology. APL Logistics has more than 4,000 employees around the world and operates in more than 50 countries. APL Logistics is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Singapore-based NOL Group and is headquartered in Oakland, California.
August 2004
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