Axbeautyhouse connects to Validoo

KICKS and Åhléns are the first in the beauty industry with exchanging standardized trade item information by using Validoo.

Axbeautyhouse, which is the purchase unit for KICKS and Åhléns, published the news today in a press release. The goal is to streamline internal and external processes through standardized trade item information shared efficiently throughout the value chain.

During the year, the retailers will connect to the Validoo database service, to share their digital product information using the world’s largest product data network GDSN. Axbeautyhouse is the first in their industry and now hopes that more beauty players will get involved in driving the development of global GS1 standards.

We see a strong need in the beauty industry for a joint management process of all trade item information in the supply chain and sales channels.

Today, it is a challenge in the industry to communicate effectively and correctly about products. Digitization, automated warehousing and growing e-commerce set higher demands on accurate and validated product information.

– We see a strong need in the beauty industry for a joint management process of all trade item information in the supply chain and sales channels. Together with GS1 Sweden, we are now implementing more efficient and correct management of product information and this will save time in the entire value chain, says Johanna Sjöborg, CCO at Axbeautyhouse.

Incorrect, missing or delayed trade item information are time consuming and cost drivers for brand owners. The value of correct master data can therefore be measured in increased revenues, reduced costs and higher consumer trust.

– An automated process for managing trade item information will help streamline the entire value chain and can hopefully benefit the entire industry we operate in, says Freddy Sobin, CEO of KICKS.

Annica Hagen, CEO of Åhléns, adds:

– Having this in place is also a prerequisite for our new automated warehouse. Furthermore, the initiative gives us additional strength and the opportunity to focus even more on creating the best possible customer experience.

The transition to Validoo starts now and will continue in 2022. The initiative will enable suppliers to use the database service to share trade item information to Axbeautyhouse and other recipients.

– It is pleasing to see that the beauty industry understands the value of a common digital language of business. Exchanging high quality master data is an important step in creating a circular economy, efficient logistics and better business for both suppliers and retailers, says Jonatan Tullberg, CEO of GS1 Sweden.

The need for standardization is also confirmed by the industry association Kosmetik och Hygienföretagen (KoHF), who welcomes the initiative.