Glik’s deploys Aptos tech to transform stores & unify commerce

Glik's, one of the United States' longest-standing family-owned fashion retailers, will implement unified commerce solutions from Aptos as part of a technology transformation initiative across its 70-plus stores and eCommerce channels.

With its roots dating back to 1897, Glik's has maintained its position in the retail industry through a steady focus on adapting to evolving customer needs and preferences. The retailer, now managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Glik family, has committed to deploying Aptos ONE POS and OMS, which are cloud-native point of sale and order management systems designed to support omnichannel retail operations and unified customer experiences.

Strategic technology deployment

Glik's plans to introduce the new point of sale platform on iPads, which will replace the current Windows-based registers. This move will also enable POS mobility, with associates able to serve customers beyond traditional tills during in-store line busting, as well as at sidewalk sales and pop-up events. The order management component will add enterprise-wide inventory visibility and integrated end-to-end order orchestration, supporting features such as endless aisle transactions and extended online assortment options.

According to Melissa Haynes, Chief Marketing Officer at Glik's, tailored product selection and connection to local communities remain key pillars of the Glik's business model. She said, "At Glik's, our secret sauce is adapting to each community that we serve. With an emphasis on highly curated store assortments, our merchandise buyers are closely connected with our store managers and staff to ensure each store is filled with brands and styles that resonate with local shoppers."

Haynes continued, "Equally important to a product selection that adapts to our customers' needs is ensuring that the overall experience with the Glik's brand aligns with shoppers' changing preferences. Our expanded partnership with Aptos provides an opportunity to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, personalization and cohesion in every customer interaction."

Supporting sustainable growth

Fawn Dintelmann, System and Network Administrator at Glik's, stated that the upgrade to Aptos technology will provide benefits to both customers and employees by increasing the company's ability to adapt to market changes and by creating a sustainable framework for future development.

"We have a 'future forward' technology investment mindset; we look for solutions that will serve us for the long term and provide a foundation for sustainable growth and innovation," Dintelmann said. "We also prioritize systems that are tried and true; technology that you can't trust creates volatility in the stores, and that volatility feeds into the store culture, which the customer can feel."

"With Aptos, Glik's strikes an optimal balance: partnering with a proven, trusted vendor while gaining access to the most modern advancements in omnichannel retail technology, including cloud-native and mobile-first applications. Once live, Aptos' unified commerce platform will elevate every aspect of the Glik's customer journey - and that's something we're very excited about."

Glik's will also use tools from Aptos ONE to empower in-store associates by providing real-time inventory data, flexible fulfilment and selling options, customer insights and app-based workflows designed to increase efficiency and reduce onboarding times. Additionally, the cloud-based nature of the new systems will allow Glik's to centrally manage configuration and software updates, offering scalability without disrupting day-to-day store operations.

Integration and existing systems

The planned Aptos ONE POS and OMS deployment will integrate with existing Aptos solutions currently used by Glik's, including applications for customer relationship management, merchandising, warehouse management and sales auditing, providing additional operational efficiencies and enhancing support for omnichannel transactions.

Aptos General Manager Jeremy Grunzweig commented on the partnership, stating, "Currently celebrating its 128th anniversary, Glik's is an inspiring retailer that has thrived by being customer-focused, community-invested and highly adaptive. We deeply value the opportunity to partner with Glik's on this unified commerce transformation and look forward to seeing the positive impact these innovations will have on its customers, employees and business."

This technology transformation forms part of Glik's broader effort to improve customer engagement and operational management across its expanding physical and online retail network.