By 2021, 3,000 Levi’s Stores Will be Equipped with UHF RFID

“Through the use of RFID technology, employees become digital shopping experts and advise customers on products that they themselves have not yet had in their hands,” states Stefan Otte, summarizing the reasons for the global rollout.

Today, 100% of US Stores are Already RFID-enabled. Levi Strauss invented the first work trousers for cowboys, prospectors and farmers in San Francisco in 1870. The age of the robust studded trousers made of denim fabric had begun. The practical and hard-wearing work trousers conquered the world. Today, the company has once again achieved a pioneering position.

A staggering 50 million Levi’s products are currently tagged with UHF RFID labels. This is far from the upper limit. Next success story: 50,000 stores and online shops in 110 countries sell RFID-tagged Levi’s products. The entire process is based on source tagging.

In North America, Europe and Asia Levi’s articles are sold in 3,000 exclusive stores. Around two thirds of these stores are operated by franchise partners. The smaller part of the stores is managed directly by Levi’s. The challenge facing all stores: How can customers always find the exact item they are looking for?

“When you look at the jeans assortment, it becomes clear how extensive the store inventory is. In addition to a large number of cuts, they are available in different colors and washes as well as numerous length/width combinations. On average, customers can choose from 200 different options – 120 for men and 80 for women,” says Stefan Otte, giving an overview.

If a customer is looking for a particular model in his or her size, these jeans should ideally be placed on the designated shelf. The frequent store reality: Either the model they are looking for is in a different location or has been sold out without triggering a replenishment process.

RFID marks help the business achieve the goal of marketing its preferred goods to all consumers and thereby further boost its sales. The average sales increase of 5% was registered from stores in which the RFID application is fully operational.