WO2001075749A2

WO2001075749A2 - System and method for retail brand management

Info

Publication number: WO2001075749A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/005217
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dave C. Reeves; Nancy D. Reyda; Paul A. Fruin
Original assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
Priority date: 2000-03-30
Filing date: 2001-02-16
Publication date: 2001-10-11
Also published as: AU2001241548A1

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETAIL BRAND MANAGEMENT

I. COPYRIGHT NOTICE AND AUTHORIZATION

This patent document contains mateπal which is subject to copyright protection.

With respect to this mateπal which is subject to copyright protection, the owner, Chevron U.S.A. Inc., has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent disclosures, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records of any country, but otherwise reserves all rights whatsoever.

II. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system and method for retail brand management, especially for program and promotion deployment.

III. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The management of retail chain stores is complex. In particular, the logistics and resources needed to roll out a regular stream of sales/promotions are extensive. Regular promotions are a key element of retail sales success. Offering special items not regularly available and reduced prices, e.g., 2 for 1 , brings in new customers and keeps bringing back regular customers. Once in the store, the customer often buys other items in addition to the promotion items. Accordingly, systems have been developed over time using traditional methods to roll out promotions to retail stores.

A key service the parent or headquarters provides to its chain of retail stores is promotion design, negotiation, planning, and deployment. Promotions are planned by retail marketing strategists and category managers at the chains headquarters. For example, in the hot summer time, the headquarters may negotiate for a discounted offering with a soft drink manufacturer. In addition to a discounted price for the soft drinks, the deal may also include the soft drink manufacturer or a advertising vendor supplying advertising materials, e.g., for outside and inside the store, e.g., special iced-barrels full of the soft drinks in the store isles. This planning by headquarters is a valuable part of the retail store's success since the soft drink manufacturer would not have sufficient incentive to enter such a deal only with a single retail store site.

To implement/deploy the promotion requires extensive planning and careful timing. The retail store management must receive sufficient advance notice to consider the promotion and order the promotion. The local management may have questions about the promotion which require time to answer. Once ordered, all the inventory and advertising must be received in time. In a successful overall business strategy, each retail store has several such promotions each year.

The traditional headquarters to individual retail store model relies on conventional mail and fax communications and a labor intensive sales force system to deploy brand, operations support, and other programs. Although this model has served business needs well over the past 100 years or so, it has a number of weaknesses, including: limiting the number of brand or retail programs that can be deployed; limiting the ability to effectively integrate programs and competitively position them for higher value; it is highly labor intensive, inefficient, costly, complex; its has difficult deployment logistics, resulting in inconsistent execution with retailers, and resulting in fragmented points of contact with retailers — retailer frustration and dissatisfaction.

Accordingly, there is a need for a new retail store brand management business model which overcomes the above-described deficiencies. The method and system of the invention described herein provides such a solution.

IV. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The method and system of the invention includes use of a network for communication between headquarters, the retail stores, and suppliers. Typically, the network includes an extranet web site.

A. Benefits

Having all retailers logging onto the headquarters' extranet web site on a daily basis creates a very interested and loyal audience for what the headquarters has to say or sell. This somewhat captive audience is of tremendous value to the retail chain's third party suppliers and program developers. Unlike ever before, the suppliers and program developers have the ability to "talk" to a large group of retailers about the value and benefits of their programs. With this business potential, suppliers are able to put together higher value programs and promotions through decosting or by integrating their offers with other suppliers who have similar retailer access. This system results in higher value programs that are more effectively integrated and competitively positioned.

Previously, once a program or promotion is designed, the deployment of it to a network of retailers was slow, cumbersome, inefficient, labor intensive and costly. With the invention, all retailers will be able to receive complete information on programs and promotions within hours of when the information is complete. In addition, the customer service support is more available than face to face salespeople to answer questions with accurate technology based resolutions. Efficient customer service center telemarketing support also improves program participation amongst retailers and as a result provides a more consistent Brand Offering for our consumers. Program and Category Managers are the experts on the proper in-store execution of programs and promotions. Prior to the invention, the communication of this knowledge was limited to written material. With the invention, this knowledge is much more effectively communicated through web-based video and audio instructions to supplement written text and graphics on the web site. In addition, retailers are only one step removed from the Program or Category Manager via the well-trained advocates in the customer service center and their technology based resolutions and instructions. With the invention, programs will be better and more consistently executed.

As with most retail business models, there are many fragmented points of contact between the retailer and the company. In the fast paced retail chain store business environment, there is a premium placed on timely accurate answers. The known fragmented approach results in frustration on the part of retailers and a slow decline in their satisfaction. The method of the invention provides immediately available information via the web site, accurate and timely answers to questions through the technology based systems of the customer service center and business growth opportunities and support through a refocused sales force.

Accordingly, the invention includes a business model and intellectual property around the development of that model. The method comprises business model development and hardware and software integration with a wide variety of existing individual and legacy ERP systems.

B. Invention Summary

The invention includes a method of managing brand promotion deployment for a chain of retail stores, the method including: communicating over a network a plurality of brand promotions from a headquarters to a plurality of stores; steps for the stores to view and select brand promotions for their stores; communicating over the network the selected brand promotions from each of the stores to a corresponding supplier of the brand promotions; and where any of the stores may view and select a plurality of brand promotions on a recurring or irregular basis, that selection is communicated to a supplier which fulfills the brand promotion.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a method of managing a chain of retail stores, the method including: communicating over a network from a headquarters of the chain of retail stores to a plurality of the retail stores; displaying to the stores a plurality of services for the stores, for the stores to select at least one service, where the services include promotion ordering; receiving over the network a message from at least one of the stores to the headquarters showing the at least one selected service from the at least one store; and serving up to the stores the at least one selected service.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a method of managing brand promotion deployment for a chain of retail stores, the method including: entering into volume discount promotion agreements between merchandise suppliers and a headquarters for a chain of retail stores with; communicating the volume discounts agreements over a network from the headquarters to a plurality of stores, where the stores may make purchases under the volume discounts agreements; selecting and ordering merchandise by at least one of the stores pursuant to at least one of the volume discounts agreements; and communicating over the network the selected purchases of the stores to the corresponding merchandise supplier, for fulfillment of the purchase.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for a retail chain store to manage brand promotions defined by the store's headquarters, including: under control of a client system of the store's: displaying information identifying an item in a brand promotion; and where the information is served up from a server system of the headquarters' of the store; sending a request to order the item to a server system of a supplier of the item; under control of the server system of a supplier: receiving the request; generating an order to purchase the requested item; and fulfilling the generated order to complete purchase of the item.

The invention also includes a system for managing brand promotion deployment for a chain of retail stores, the system including: a server component for serving over a network a plurality of brand promotions from a headquarters of the chain of retail stores to a plurality of the retail stores; a client component for receiving from the server component the plurality of brand promotions and for displaying the brand promotions, and for recognizing a user's selection of specific brand promotions, and for communicating over the network to a corresponding supplier the selected brand promotions and the identity of the selecting store; and where the system is configured to permit any of the stores to view and select a plurality of brand promotions on a recurring or irregular basis, that selection is communicated to a supplier which fulfills the brand promotion.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a system for managing a chain of retail stores, the system including: communication means for communicating over a network from a headquarters of the chain of retail stores to a plurality of the retail stores; displaying means for displaying to the stores a plurality of services for the stores, and configured to allow the stores to select at least one service, where the services include promotion ordering; receiving means for receiving over the network a message from at least one of the stores to the headquarters showing the at least one selected service from the at least one store; and server means for serving up to the stores the at least one selected service.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a system of managing brand promotion deployment for a chain of retail stores, the system including: volume discount promotion agreements between merchandise suppliers and a headquarters for a chain of retail stores with; communication means for communicating the volume discounts agreements over a network from the headquarters to a plurality of stores, where the stores may make purchases under the volume discounts agreements; selection means for selecting and ordering merchandise by at least one of the stores pursuant to at least one of the volume discounts agreements; and communication means for communicating over the network the selected purchases of the stores to the corresponding merchandise supplier, for fulfillment of the purchase.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a system for a retail chain store to manage brand promotions defined by the store's headquarters, including: a server system of the headquarters' of a retail chain store configured for serving up information identifying an item in a brand promotion; a client system of the retail chain store's configured: for receiving, parsing, and rendering the information identifying an item in a brand promotion from the server system of the headquarters'; and for selecting at least one of the items and sending a request to order the items to a server system of a supplier of the item; a server system of a supplier configured: for receiving the request; for generating an order to purchase the requested item; and for fulfilling the generated order to complete purchase of the item.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be made more apparent through a consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the course of this description, frequent reference will be made to the attached drawings.

V. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic system diagram showing the key components of one embodiment of the invention and their interrelationships.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block system level 0 flow chart diagram of one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Promotion Ordering Subsystem of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Transaction Subsystem of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic block flow diagrams of embodiments of the Messages Subsystem of the invention.

FIG. 5C illustrates the display of a web page showing one embodiment of components for creating the Community.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Brand Programs Subsystem of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Customer Service Subsystem of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Operations Support Subsystem of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Education Support Subsystem of the invention.

VI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The major components (also interchangeably called aspects, subsystems, modules, functions, services) of the system and method of the invention, and examples of advantages they provide, are described below with reference to the figures.

FIG. 1 is a schematic system diagram showing the key components of one embodiment of the invention and their interrelationships. A parent/franchiser 105 (also referenced in this specification and claims as headquarters) is connected by a network 110 to, and is communication with, retailers/franchisees 115 and distributors/suppliers 120. Parent, franchiser, and headquarters are used interchangeably in this specification. It includes, e.g., a retail store chain where a parent company owns multiple retails stores, where a franchiser grants franchises to multiple franchisees, or franchise-type arrangement where a company licenses its trademark and trade dress to the licensee who then sells goods and services using the marks of the licensor, or any combination of the above as well as other arrangement. Retail store chains having such organizations include convenience stores, gasoline stations, and fast food outlets.

A detailed description of each process/means block follows. Each block, separately or in combination, is alternatively computer implemented, computer assisted, and/or human implemented. Computer implementation optionally includes one or more conventional general purpose computers having a processor, memory, storage, input devices, output devices and/or conventional networking devices, protocols, and/or conventional client-server hardware and software. Where any block or combination of blocks is computer implemented, it is done optionally by conventional means, whereby one skilled in the art of computer implementation could utilize conventional algorithms, components, and devices to implement the requirements and design of the invention provided herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block system level 0 flow chart diagram of one embodiment of the invention. A user at a retail store first logs in via log in block 205, then passes to Select Service Step block 210. There the user selects one or more services from the options which in one embodiment include Promotion Ordering System 215, Transaction System 220, Messages System 225, Brand Programs System 230, Customer Service System, 235, Operations Support System 240, and Education Support System 245. Promotions typically include limited time period special sales of merchandise, e.g., 2 for 1. Special advertising materials for placement around the retail store are typically included. Transactions typically records of promotions ordered and other orders, order status and history. Communities include topic-specific newsgroups, clubs, and bulletin boards. Brand programs include, e.g., headquarters branded credit card programs, customer satisfaction services, e.g., anonymous inspections, loan programs, and facility improvement programs.

Customer service includes telephonic and online assistance with any retail store matter and especially use of the system of the invention. Operations support includes, e.g., uniform supplies, dumpster service, and facility cleaning services. Education support includes online courses and catalogs for ordering written or video materials on matters important to the retail store's success, e.g., hiring and retention, training, cleaning, and retailing know-how. The various above-described subsystems of the inventions and examples of each subsystem are only exemplary and are not meant to be limiting. In some embodiments, some or all of the subsystems might be renamed, combined, or further divided, yet still be within the invention.

Communication occurs over network including a client-server environment including the Internet, an extranet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures thereof. Typically, an extranet will be utilized. That is, the general network of the Internet will typically be used; however, access will be limited, e.g., by password and user i.d. or other conventional security methods. Such systems are taught, e.g., in U.S. Patent No. 6,038,597, issued March 14, 2000, entitled "Method And Apparatus For Providing And Accessing Data At An Internet Site", assigned to Dell U.S.A., L.P., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This is because typically only authorized stores in the retail store's chain and their suppliers should have access to the system. The public will not have such access typically. FIG. 3 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Promotion Ordering Subsystem of the invention. A retail store user optionally logs in to this service via block 305. Alternatively, the initial log on to the system via block 205 in Figure 1 serves as a log in to all subsystems for which the user profile shows access permissions. Promotions are displayed in block 317, the user optionally selects at least one promotion in block 320, and orders the promotion in block 325. Conventional shopping cart or other known eCommerce ordering systems may be use as taught, e.g., in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,960,411 entitled "Method And System For Placing A Purchase Order Via A Communications Network" and 6,029,142 entitled "Electronic Catalog System And Method", and in Baron, Chris and Bob Weil, "Implementing a Web Shopping Cart", Dr. Dobb's Journal, Sep. 1996, pp. 64, 66, 68-69, and 83-85, which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The supplier receives the order and fulfills the order in block 330. Conventional secure transaction systems are optionally utilized as taught, e.g., in U.S. Patent No. 5,949,876, issued Sep. 7, 1999, entitled "Systems And Methods For Secure Transaction Management And Electronic Rights Protection", assigned to InterTrust Technologies Corporation, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The Promotions Deployment/Ordering aspect/subsystem of the invention will provide the efficient deployment of unique and proprietary brand elements to the field organization and Retail and Product brands. This sub-system permits a parent, or headquarters, or franchiser to deploy multiple special promotions through its independent retailers ("IR" or "IR's") franchisees. That is, the parent enters into special favorable short-term purchasing agreements with a manufacturer or distributor to purchase its products through the IR's. The IR's learn about the promotions through the Brand Deployment subsystem of the invention. The IR's may select which promotions they sign up for and place an order for the desired quantities directly from the distributor or manufacturer. Embodiments include where the order message is transmitted directly from the retail store to the supplier or, alternatively, where the order is transmitted to the headquarters, who then passes it on directly to the supplier or optionally first combines it with like orders from other retail stores prior to passing it on to the supplier. These alternatives for transmitting messages/orders directly or via the headquarters is applicable to any other analogous services provided by the system involving ordering or communicating between the retail store and a third-party, e.g., supplier.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Transaction Subsystem of the invention. Transaction System options are displayed in block 405, the user optionally selects at least one option in block 410, and completes the steps in that Transaction Option in block 325. The supplier receives the order and fulfills the order in block 415. Options may include accessing specific business transaction records such as invoicing, shipment, payment history and price notifications. The transaction history optionally can also track transactions that were not entered into over the system, e.g., conventional purchasing methods, i.e., standing orders.

Shipment tracking and payment processing are optional features of the Transaction sub-system. Shipment tracking processes may optionally be implemented with known systems, e.g., as taught in U.S. Patent No. 5,960,408, issued Sep. 28, 1999, entitled "On-Time Delivery, Tracking And Reporting", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic block flow diagrams of embodiments of the Communities/Messages Subsystem of the invention. As shown in Figure 5A, a user at a retail store enters Select Community System block 550. There the user selects one or more subsystems from the options which in one embodiment include Existing Communities System 555 and Create New Communities System 560. Figure 5B depicts steps in one embodiment of the Existing Communities System. The user displays community types in block 505, enters a community in block 510, optionally interacts in the community in block 515, and then closes/exits the community in block 520. FIG. 5C illustrates the display of a web page, typically a home page, showing typical components for creating the Community. These are, in one embodiment, a News and Information section 570, a What's New section 565, and a Features section 580. Menu bar 575 in one embodiment is displayed on many if not all web pages. One skilled in the art would appreciate that these various sections can be omitted or rearranged or adapted in various ways. News and Information section 570, and optionally other sections, in one embodiment has drill down features, e.g., buttons which when clicked upon opens another panel displaying past news and information features and/or each current news and information feature has an associated hyperlink to a page which elaborates on that current news feature.

The Communities aspect/subsystem (also referenced as Messages system or subsystem) of the invention will provide the fun, dynamic, interactive participant driven element that facilitates ideas, discussion and partnership with other members of the community, i.e., headquarters, retail chain stores and optionally their suppliers, distributors, and suppliers. The Communities subsystem will include topic-specific newsgroups, member-clubs, bulletin boards, and other on-line community features. This component will be very flexible, e.g., users can participate in an existing user group or create a new one. The groups may use secure on non-secure communications. All participants in the system may access the communities component. It may be used for collaborative planning, design and development of promotions, products, and/or sen/ices. The Communities sub-system is optionally utilized for consumer research and feedback to headquarters and/or the manufacturers/distributors.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Brand Programs Subsystem of the invention. The user displays brand program options in block 605, optionally selects an option in block 610 and completes steps in an option in block 615. Options in this subsystem may include viewing other brand specific information such as image guidelines, corporate standards, company communication, etc. This feature can be enabled for a retail chain store, a franchiser/headquarters, and/or a distributor or manufacturer.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Customer Service Subsystem of the invention. The user displays and selects contact methods in block 705. Then for each contact method, online contact in block 710 or telephone contact in block 730, the user sends/states an inquiry, blocks 715 and 735, the inquiry is handled by the customer service center, blocks 720 and 740, and the user receives a response to the inquiry, blocks 725 and 745.

This sub-system, in one embodiment, allows the user to enter real-time communications between any of the stores and a customer service representative of said headquarters, and wherein said steps for communication can be entered into during any step of said brand promotion deployment method.

The Customer Services aspect/subsystem of the invention will provide the human touch that enables the transformation of the Independent Retailer and is the problem solver, business consultant, and partner in an increasingly automated, e-driven environment. All users of the system will have access to the Customer Services subsystem either on-line, by way of telephone, or both. On-site customer service is optionally provided.

The services provided by the Customer Services subsystem optionally include user training, troubleshooting, help desk functions, and account history records. Preferably, the subsystem includes functions for tracking customer interactions whereby the customer service representative can quickly pull up the interaction record, e.g., as taught in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,014,647 entitled "Customer interaction tracking" and 6,032,184 entitled "Integrated Interface For Web Based Customer Care And Trouble Management", which references are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Optionally, the frame on each screen will include a Customer Service button, or other selection means, whereby the user may at any time select the button to launch an email window for sending inquiries to Customer Service. For the suppliers, Customer Service optionally includes a targeted advertising campaign service for suppliers' goods, services and/or promotions. The Customer Services subsystem, and optionally one or more of each other subsystem in one embodiment includes feedback functions, whereby retail store employees may provide feedback to headquarters about any aspect of the system, e.g., success of or problems with a promotion, suggested improvements, or implementation or operating difficulties.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Operations Support Subsystem of the invention. The user displays operations support options in block 805, typically selects an option in block 810, and completes the steps in the selected option in block 815. Support options may include enrolling/purchasing pre-negotiated service agreements, e.g., materials and supplies such as uniform supplies and services, dumpster services, and/or cleaning supplies and services or any other materials or supplies needed in operating the retail stores. The same or similar transaction systems can be used in this subsystem as in the Promotions Ordering subsystem described above.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block flow diagram of one embodiment of the Education Support Subsystem of the invention. The user displays educational support options in block 905, typically selects an option in block 910, and then, depending on the selection, either orders the selected educational materials in block 915 or completes online educational steps in block 915. The same or similar transaction systems can be used in this subsystem as in the Promotions Ordering subsystem described above. The web site for the system includes conventional web site development considerations known to experienced web site developers. Such considerations include content, content clearing, presentation of content, architecture, database linking, external web site linking, number of pages, overall size and storage requirements, maintainability, access speed, use of graphics, privacy considerations, and disclaimers.

Optionally, a test environment is used prior to deployment of the production system. In the test environment, the web site is loaded into an isolated test environment for debugging and for other test purposes. A piloting step is also optionally utilized (it may also be called an alpha and/or beta testing step/means. In the pilot step, the system is internally test marketed.

The piloting step/means optionally includes formally or informally gathering feedback from the internal users of the web site for use in improving and debugging the site and for use in planning the marketing step.

Claims

VII. CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of managing brand promotion deployment for a chain of retail stores, said method comprising:

(a) communicating over a network a plurality of brand promotions from a headquarters to a plurality of stores;

(b) steps for the stores to view and select brand promotions for their stores;

(c) communicating over said network said selected brand promotions from each of said stores to a corresponding supplier of said brand promotions; and

(d) wherein any of said stores may view and select a plurality of brand promotions on a recurring or irregular basis, that selection is communicated to a supplier which fulfills said brand promotion.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising steps for entering real-time communications between any of said stores and a customer service representative of said headquarters, and wherein said steps for communication can be entered into during any step of said brand promotion deployment method.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said network comprises a client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures thereof.

4. A method of managing a chain of retail stores, said method comprising:

(a) communicating over a network from a headquarters of said chain of retail stores to a plurality of said retail stores;

(b) displaying to said stores a plurality of services for said stores, for said stores to select at least one service, wherein said services comprise promotion ordering;

(c) receiving over said network a message from at least one of said stores to said headquarters showing said at least one selected service from said at least one store; and

(d) serving up to said stores said at least one selected service.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein said plurality of services for said stores further comprises transaction services, communities services, brand deployment services, education support services, operations support services, and customer support services.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said transaction services comprises:

(a) displaying a plurality of transaction services comprising automatic replenishment, order history, and pricing, for said stores to select at least one transaction service;

(b) receiving over said network a message from at least one of said stores to said headquarters showing said at least one selected transaction service from said at least one store; and

(c) serving up to said stores said at least one selected transaction service.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said communities services comprises:

(a) displaying a plurality of communities services comprising newsgroups, chat rooms, clubs, and message boards, for said stores to select at least one communities service;

(b) receiving over said network a message from at least one of said stores to said headquarters showing said at least one selected communities service from said at least one store; and

(c) serving up to said stores said at least one selected communities service.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein said brand deployment services comprises:

(a) displaying a plurality of brand deployment services comprising supplying database access to corporate guidelines and procedures, for said stores to select at least one brand deployment service;

(b) receiving over said network a message from at least one of said stores to said headquarters showing said at least one selected brand deployment service from said at least one store; and

(c) serving up to said stores said at least one selected brand deployment service.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein said education support sen/ices comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of education support services comprising supplying training materials, for said stores to select at least one education support service;

(b) receiving over said network a message from at least one of said stores to said headquarters showing said at least one selected education support service from said at least one store; and

(c) serving up to said stores said at least one selected education support service.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein said operations support services comprises:

(a) displaying a plurality of operations support services comprising uniform ordering services, for said stores to select at least one operations support service;

(b) receiving over said network a message from at least one of said stores to said headquarters showing said at least one selected operations support service from said at least one store; and

(c) serving up to said stores said at least one selected operations support service.

11. The method of claim 5, wherein said customer support services comprises:

(a) displaying a plurality of customer support services comprising help desk services, transaction history services, trouble-shooting services, and system training services, for said stores to select at least one customer support service; (b) receiving a message showing said at least one selected customer support service from said stores; and

(c) serving up to said stores said at least one selected customer support service.

12. The method of claim 4, wherein said network comprises a client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures thereof.

13. A method of managing brand promotion deployment for a chain of retail stores, said method comprising:

(a) entering into volume discount promotion agreements between merchandise suppliers and a headquarters for a chain of retail stores;

(b) communicating said volume discounts agreements over a network from said headquarters to a plurality of stores, wherein said stores may make purchases under said volume discounts agreements;

(c) selecting and ordering merchandise by at least one of said stores pursuant to at least one of said volume discounts agreements; and

(d) communicating over said network said selected purchases of said stores to the corresponding merchandise supplier, for fulfillment of said purchase.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said network comprises a client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures thereof.

15. A method for a retail chain store to manage brand promotions defined by the store's headquarters, comprising:

(a) under control of a client system of the store's:

(1 ) displaying information identifying an item in a brand promotion; and

(2) wherein said information is served up from a server system of the headquarters' of said store;

(b) sending a request to order said item to a server system of a supplier of the item; and

(c) under control of said server system of a supplier:

(1 ) receiving the request;

(2) generating an order to purchase the requested item; and

(3) fulfilling the generated order to complete purchase of the item.

16. A system for managing brand promotion deployment for a chain of retail stores, said system comprising:

(a) a server component for serving over a network a plurality of brand promotions from a headquarters of said chain of retail stores to a plurality of said retail stores;

(b) a client component for receiving from said server component said plurality of brand promotions and for displaying said brand promotions, and for recognizing a user's selection of specific brand promotions, and for communicating over said network to a corresponding supplier the selected brand promotions and the identity of the selecting store; and

(c) wherein said system is configured to permit any of said stores to view and select a plurality of brand promotions on a recurring or irregular basis, that selection is communicated to a supplier which fulfills said brand promotion.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising means for entering real-time communications between any of said stores and a customer service representative of said headquarters, and wherein said means for communication is configured to be enabled during use of the system.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein said network comprises a client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures thereof.

19. A system for managing a chain of retail stores, said system comprising:

(a) communication means for communicating over a network from a headquarters of said chain of retail stores to a plurality of said retail stores;

(b) displaying means for displaying to said stores a plurality of sen/ices for said stores, and configured to allow said stores to select at least one service, wherein said services comprise promotion ordering;

(c) receiving means for receiving over said network a message from at least one of said stores to said headquarters showing said at least one selected service from said at least one store; and (d) server means for serving up to said stores said at least one selected service.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein said plurality of services for said stores further comprises transaction services, communities services, brand deployment services, education support services, operations support services, and customer support services.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein said transaction services comprises:

(c) serving up to said stores said at least one selected transaction service.

22. The system of claim 20, wherein said communities services comprises:

(c) serving up to said stores said at least one selected communities service.

23. The system of claim 20, wherein said brand deployment services comprises:

24. The system of claim 20, wherein said education support services comprises:

(a) displaying a plurality of education support services comprising supplying training materials, for said stores to select at least one education support service;

25. The system of claim 20, wherein said operations support services comprises: (a) displaying a plurality of operations support services comprising uniform ordering services, for said stores to select at least one operations support service;

26. The system of claim 20, wherein said customer support services comprises:

(a) displaying a plurality of customer support services comprising help desk services, transaction history services, trouble-shooting services, and system training services, for said stores to select at least one customer support service;

(b) receiving a message showing said at least one selected customer support service from said stores; and

27. The system of claim 19, wherein said network comprises a client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures thereof.

28. A system of managing brand promotion deployment for a chain of retail stores, said system comprising: (a) volume discount promotion agreements between merchandise suppliers and a headquarters for a chain of retail stores;

(b) communication means for communicating said volume discounts agreements over a network from said headquarters to a plurality of stores, wherein said stores may make purchases under said volume discounts agreements;

(c) selection means for selecting and ordering merchandise by at least one of said stores pursuant to at least one of said volume discounts agreements; and

(d) communication means for communicating over said network said selected purchases of said stores to the corresponding merchandise supplier, for fulfillment of said purchase.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein said network comprises a client-server environment comprising the Internet, an extranet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, and mixtures thereof.

30. A system for a retail chain store to manage brand promotions defined by the store's headquarters, comprising:

(a) a server system of the headquarters' of a retail chain store configured for serving up information identifying an item in a brand promotion;

(b) a client system of said retail chain store's configured:

(1 ) for receiving, parsing, and rendering said information identifying an item in a brand promotion from said server system of the headquarters'; and (2) for selecting at least one of said items and sending a request to order said items to a server system of a supplier of the item;

(c) a server system of a supplier configured:

(1 ) for receiving the request;

(2) for generating an order to purchase the requested item; and

(3) for fulfilling the generated order to complete purchase of the item.