Tops Markets Turns to Itasca Magic for Inventory Optimization

Tops Friendly Markets LLC is enhancing and streamlining its computer-generated ordering, inventory optimization and direct store delivery (DSD) receiving in all of its store with Itasca Magic.

Williamsville, N.Y.-based Tops Markets’ new alliance with Itasca—which it said will enable it to better serve its customers in an increasingly competitive environment—will leverage the latter’s expertise to control inventory storewide by insuring an improved in-stock position while right-sizing its inventory investment and simultaneously controlling shrink.

“Itasca has proven itself capable of managing and automating replenishment in complex business environments,” said Ron Ferri, EVP of operations for the 159-store Tops, in a statement. “We’ve found that Itasca has the most comprehensive solution to address our current needs and to be the foundation for future endeavors.”

Ferri also cited the “real-time perpetual inventory capability” of the platform, which he said will enable the regional retailer “to ensure our customers have the same experience online as they do in stores, which is important to any retailer’s digital presence.”

Jeff Kennedy, president of West Des Moines, Iowa-based Itasca Retail Information Systems, said he and his team are “very eager to deliver the same outstanding results to Tops Markets that we have to our other longtime customers. We welcome them to our community and look forward to serving Tops for many years to come.” 

Related:Court OKs Tops Reorganization

With full-service grocery stores in New York, northern Pennsylvania and Vermont, Tops Markets LLC employs more than 14,000 associates.