GERS, Ecometry Merge to Form Escalate Retail

August 20, 2006  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Retail Technology on August 2006 Retail automation systems vendor GERS Retail Systems has merged with Ecometry Corp., a provider of retail, electronic retail and direct marketing systems to form Escalate Retail.

The name Escalate Retail reflects the new entity’s focus on improving retailer profitability through customer-focused solutions. In a release announcing the deal, terms of which were not disclosed, the company said that combining GERS’ strengths in merchandise planning and execution with the front-office strengths of Ecometry customer-interaction and loyalty applications, Escalate Retail will provide retailers advanced capabilities to meet their customer demands across channels.

The transaction was funded by San Francisco Bay-area private equity firm Golden Gate Capital. Stewart Bloom, who was chief executive officer of GERS, will serve as CEO of Escalate Retail. John Marrah, who headed Ecometry is president. Former GERS Chief Financial Officer Mike Larkin will hold the same title at Escalate Retail.

The company will have headquarters in San Diego and Delray Beach, Fla. Six additional satellite offices are located across North America and in Europe.

“We are excited about our ability to bring integrated and customer focused solutions to the industry,” Bloom said. “The synergies created by merging GERS and Ecometry into a significant new entity, Escalate Retail, have immediate benefit to our current customers and create a compelling new option for retailers who are looking for a unique technology partner to help with their business growth agenda.”

“After analyzing opportunities in the market for over a year, we are very excited to join forces with GERS,” said Marrah said. “We are both committed to the goal of delivering highly extensible retail solutions that can be delivered individually or as a comprehensive suite.”

Escalate Retail has over 650 retail clients across North America and Europe. Current clients include Home Depot, Williams Sonoma, Nordstrom, Hot Topic, Sainsbury, Harry Rosen, Louis Vuitton, Blue Fly, Z Gallerie, Brooks Brothers, Saks, Lamps Plus, Sony and Raymour & Flanigan. Other furniture clients include Jordan’s, Leon’s, El Dorado, Baers, Gallery, Mattress Giant, La-Z-Boy, Domain Home Fashions, Homemakers, Steinhafels and Slumberland