ZONDERVAN ADDS ABOVE THE
TREELINE FREE SERVICE

From Aspiring Retail, June 2005

ZONDERVAN IS PARTNERING WITH ABOVE THE TREELINE TO GIVE CBA retailers access to the inventory-analysis tool free for use with Zondervan inventory. Retailers can access it through zBusiness, Zondervan’s 24/7, full-service web-based ordering and inventory-management portal.

Above the Treeline helps customers easily track their Zondervan inventory to ensure they have the right products in stock from Zondervan’s core list. Retailers simply follow the instructions at the web site to upload their inventory files, regardless of what inventory management program they use. Files are immediately analyzed, and retailers receive an instantaneous, comprehensive visual analysis and report.

The report includes charts and graphs that measure important metrics including current in-stock percentage on Zondervan core titles, information on which titles will be going out of print soon, and specific subject area and seasonal title lists.

While most beneficial to Zondervan Core Replenishment Program (CRP) customers, Above the Treeline is available to all Zondervan customers through zBusiness. Additional features will be added later, including historical trend analysis, comparative analysis, a recommended CRP buying list, and the ability to order titles with a mouse click.

Demonstrations will be held in the Zondervan booth at the International Christian Retail Show. Customers interested in more information about this tool or CRP can contact their Zondervan sales rep, visit the Zondervan booth, or call (800) 727-1309.

“We’ve have been offering inventory analysis to stores for the past four years; a Zondervan sales representative, however, had to physically come to the store to conduct the analysis,” Zondervan Sales VP Ryan Dunham said. “This tool will make it possible for all stores with a computer and web access to quickly and accurately analyze their Zondervan inventory. Managing inventory properly is a big challenge retailers face. We’re confident this tool will make it less of a challenge.”

CBA Business Solutions Director Dean Edwards said Zondervan’s deployment demonstrates Above The Treeline’s effectiveness to improve retailer margin and profitability, and that it’s an easy-to-use, retailer-proven tool available for virtually any POS system.