Ann & Hope Revamp IT Infrastructure with S2K

Retailing pioneer will use VAI’s ERP software suite for real-time operational insight

Ronkonkoma, N.Y. - September 28, 2016 - VAI (Vormittag Associates, Inc.), a leading ERP software provider, today announced that Ann & Hope, the Rhode Island-based curtain and bath retailer, will support its operations with VAI’s S2K Enterprise suite of solutions, which include the S2K Analytics, Retail and Mobile applications. The company will also leverage VAI’s unlimited user license option, which allows the retailer to add new users without additional costs.

Originally founded by Martin Chase in 1953, Ann & Hope pioneered a number of retailing and distribution practices now common in modern big box stores. To continue building on that legacy of success, the company needed an ERP solution that would enable their teams to provide world-class service to their growing customer base.

“Our legacy system was just not meeting the needs of today’s business reality,” said Gary Jarvis, director of IT at Ann & Hope. “With 12 curtain and bath locations across three New England states, Ann & Hope required an ERP solution that was not only powerful but was also user-friendly. Many of our employees have been with the company for decades, so when we began researching new options, we knew we needed an upgrade that would facilitate seamless adoption. We looked at several enterprise ERP solutions, but only VAI had the unique combination of performance and service, along with the option to add new users without additional fees.”

Ann & Hope is midway through their solution rollout, which they anticipate will be complete by April 2017. Every employee at the company will interact with the ERP solution at some level, so efficiencies across the board are anticipated. “Because it is much more responsive and reliable, VAI’s S2K solution will provide more accurate reporting, increased visibility into production cycles and better real-time reflection of data,” said Gary.

“We’re excited to link VAI with such an iconic retail brand,” said Gina Parry, national account manager at VAI. “Ann & Hope have been leaders in the industry for more than half a century, and we’re honored to be selected to help their teams provide excellent service with our technology suite. We know how important ERP systems are for retailers like Ann & Hope, so we look forward to providing that sound foundation for their business operations going forward.”

About Ann & Hope

In 1953, Irwin Chase and his father, Martin, opened their first store in an old textile mill in Cumberland, Rhode Island. The building and store were named after a ship, the Ann and Hope, which was lost at sea off of Block Island, Rhode Island in 1806.

The Company was built on the philosophy of buying large volumes of merchandise, and selling it at a discount. Since Ann and Hope's prices were very low, they had to have low operating expenses. As a result, the Chases implemented several innovations. One of those changes was the use of central checkouts that are now commonly found in most discount stores. Another was the use of shopping carts in a discount store setting.

Today, the second and third generations of Ann and Hope's founders operate 12 Curtain & Bath stores in 3 New England states. In addition to these stores the company runs other concepts such as Dollar Outlet and the Garden Outlet.  

About VAI (Vormittag Associates, Inc.)

VAI is a leading independent mid-market ERP software developer renowned for its flexible solutions and ability to automate critical business functions for the distribution, manufacturing, specialty retail and service sectors. An IBM Premier Business Partner, VAI is the 2012 IBM Beacon Award Winner for Outstanding Solutions for Midsize Businesses. VAI continues to innovate with new solutions that leverage analytics, business intelligence, mobility and cloud technology to help customers make more informed business decisions in real-time and empower their mobile workforces. VAI is headquartered in Ronkonkoma, NY with branch offices in Florida, Illinois and California. For more information, visit www.vai.net, follow @VAISoftware on Twitter or “like us” on facebook.com/VAISoftware.