Work ‘N Gear Boosts Commerce Strategy With Oracle

E-commerce is driving revenue growth for niche retailers and offering customers unprecedented access to favored brands and previously hard-to-find items. No longer confined by geography and store count, these retailers provide unique assortments, brands and knowledge to selective consumers with specific needs.

This is the opportunity facing specialty retailers like Work ‘N Gear, an innovative Boston-based company focused on providing the workwear its customers need from the brands they trust.  Work ‘N Gear has 40 stores throughout the Northeast and Midwest, making it the largest U.S. retailer specializing in work apparel, footwear and healthcare apparel.

“We have a loyal customer base that wants easier access to the selection and service they trust,” said CEO Anthony DiPaolo.  “We also have a larger customer base that needs the same items but may not have a store nearby, and every individual expects a fluid experience.”

Behind the legacy is a deep understanding of its brand partners, customers and the safety, comfort and quality required for use in demanding service, security and industrial work environments.  Work ‘N Gear’s expert buyers hand-pick styles and carry only brands with the reputation for quality and performance like Carhartt, Timberland PRO, Dickies, 5.11 Tactical Series, Wolverine, Rocky Boots, Bates Shoes and Boots, Helly Hansen, and more.  The company also serves the healthcare market through its private label brand called Scrubology, online, in Work’N Gear stores and within Scrubology, store- in- store concept locations nation wide.

When it was time to upgrade its e-commerce platform, Work ‘N Gear wanted a solution that would have lasting impact.  Here is what CEO Anthony DiPaolo said about why they chose Oracle Commerce.

“We needed a commerce partner that would enable an omni-channel approach. When you pair the Oracle Commerce platform with a hosted environment, the competition falls away,” said DiPaolo.  “Oracle Commerce puts us on equal ground with larger retailers and allows us to differentiate on selection and service."

“We looked at the marketplace and we knew that Oracle Commerce would give us a competitive advantage,” DiPaolo added.  “We provide customers with visibility to inventory online and in stores, to order online or from the store, pick up or take home delivery, use their gift card online and essentially redeem any offer online or in stores.  On the back end, e-commerce touches every corner of our business – finance, merchandising, and stores. With Oracle, we are implementing a new system that accommodates all of our needs.”