First UK electrical retailer to roll out Global Data Synchronisation

LONDON, 12 December 2007 – Today Comet, the leading electrical specialist, announced that it has signed up to the GS1 UK Data Pool to synchronise its data. Using Global Data Synchronisation (GDS), Comet aims to improve data quality and increase speed to market for its new products.

The first phase will be to implement GDS and change the way in which new product information is collected within the television category. The electrical specialist has identified seven global television manufacturers that will take part in this first phase.  As an independent GDS expert, GS1 UK will provide project management and support to ensure that the roll out runs smoothly and will communicate directly with the manufacturers and assist them to synchronise their data with Comet.

“With thousands of products being sold in our stores nation-wide using GDS and the GS1 UK Data Pool, we can pass on many benefits to our customers in the form of richer and better quality product information,” says Chris Kent, General Manager, Commercial Process at Comet.  “By synchronising data with manufacturers we benefit from improved data accuracy, consistent and automatic delivery of product information, faster product information set up and improved buyer effectiveness.  We are confident that our GDS programme will deliver a step change improvement in product information.”

The first phase implementation is scheduled to go live in February 2008 and the project aims to be completed by June 2008 when Comet will widen the scope of their GDS implementation to more categories. 

Demonstrating their continued support for GS1 UK standards, Comet has been actively involved in driving their industry requirements by chairing the GS1 GDS Electrical Special Interest Group.  The group aims to deliver industry specific data attributes and working processes required for data synchronisation by UK trading partners and help drive GDS adoption through the creation of a common business case justification.

“Leading retailers are increasingly recognising the importance of quality data in their businesses and are looking to the standardised solution of GDS to improve the flow of accurate product data through their supply chains,” says Gary Lynch, Chief Executive at GS1 UK.  “GS1 UK is delighted to be working with Comet and their manufacturers to help them reach their goals.”

About Comet

• Comet has more than 250 stores throughout the UK, offering a wide range of electrical products all at 'Every Day Low Prices'. Thousands of competitor prices are checked every week to ensure that Comet's prices cannot be beaten.
• The Comet website - www.comet.co.uk - offers easy, convenient shopping and with Comet's click and collect service you can reserve online and collect in store an hour later.  Additionally, customers can shop by phone on 08705 425 425.  Calls usually cost no more than 8 pence per minute from landlines; calls made from mobiles usually cost more.
• Comet offers a unique all-round shopping experience with a range of services including home delivery, full installation of products such as televisions & computers, take back facilities for large products, and comprehensive after sales service.

For more information contact:

Lisa Henshaw or Kirsty Sewter
Fourth Day PR
+44 (0)20 7403 4411

Suraya Adnan-Ariffin
GS1 UK
+44 (0)20 70923575

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