Spiegel, Inc. Selects IBM For Business Intelligence Solutions; DB2 Universal Database Chosen as Corporate Standard for Data Warehousing

Business Wire, June 4, 1998

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 1998--Spiegel, Inc. has selected IBM DB2 Universal Database as the corporate standard for developing data warehouse applications. The company, a retail and catalog giant comprising Spiegel Catalog, Eddie Bauer and Newport News, expects the applications will help cut costs and increase marketing and merchandising effectiveness. A core component of the rapidly growing field of business intelligence, data warehouses allow companies to capitalize on vast amounts of business data and also can help them differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive environment.

"Today's marketplace demands that businesses exploit technology to remain competitive," said Jon K. Nordeen, vice president and chief information officer for Spiegel, Inc. "The DB2 Universal Database enables us to transfer our DB2 mainframe skills to other platforms and offers excellent scalability and performance."

"As a consumer-oriented business, Spiegel is building systems that can help keep customers satisfied and identify new opportunities," said Janet Perna, general manager, data management, IBM Software Solutions. "Easy-to-use, powerful and accessible, DB2 Universal Database is an excellent platform for Spiegel's business intelligence solutions."

Spiegel's initial plans call for data warehouses to manage relationships with customers and suppliers; maximize product and sales information; identify new marketing opportunities; and manage credit marketing programs. The DB2-based data warehouses will operate on IBM RS/6000 and SUN servers.

Data warehouse projects that Spiegel currently is working on include:

Integrated Marketing System -- Linked directly with marketing, decision support and campaign management systems, Spiegel expects this data warehouse to deliver millions of dollars in reduced costs and increased marketing effectiveness. The system will be implemented initially at Eddie Bauer.

Item Profitability -- enhances Spiegel's profitability analysis by providing data at the detailed item level, as well as supporting summarized information.

Merchandise and Financial Planning -- provides the ability to do exception-based queries for use with analysis of sales, gross profit and inventory performance.

Loss Prevention Fraud Detection -- will allow better detection and analysis of losses.

Spiegel, Inc. is a leading, international specialty retailer marketing fashionable apparel and home furnishings to customers through catalogs, innovative electronic platforms and more than 500 specialty retail stores. Spiegel's businesses include Spiegel Catalog, Eddie Bauer, Eddie Bauer HOME, AKA EDDIE BAUER and Newport News.

    CONTACT:  Spiegel, Inc.
               Allison Scherer/Malia Beal
               630-769-2590