BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Bruno's here will begin using a third party to collect and analyze store-specific sales and promotion data on a daily basis at all 253 stores.
The first store locations are scheduled to go live with the system by second quarter 1995, according to a source familiar with the situation. Following that initial installation, all remaining stores will be brought on line within 90 days. Bruno's declined to be interviewed for this story.
The program is part of a multiyear agreement Bruno's signed last month with Nielsen North America, Schaumburg, Ill., and Efficient Market Services, Deerfield, Ill. Nielsen and EMS entered into a joint venture last year to offer category management applications.
Under the agreement, scan data will be drawn from Bruno's point-of-sale systems each evening, and store-specific analytical reports will be made available the following day. In addition, EMS and Nielsen will provide on-site representatives to assist with merchandising analysis and technical consulting.
"Through this relationship, we'll be able to advance category management and Efficient Consumer Response initiatives at an accelerated pace," said Ronald Bruno, Bruno's chairman and chief executive officer, in a prepared statement.
Bruno's operates stores in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. Those stores are serviced from company distribution centers here and in Vidalia, Ga.
