News

GS1 publishes new guidelines for extended product attributes

October 30, 2013

New implementation guidelines for leveraging GS1 Standards in apparel and general merchandise e-commerce have been released by GS1 US. The Voluntary Guidelines for Exchanging Extended Attributes for eCommerce were developed in collaboration with more than 15 retailers, vendors and solution providers participating in the GS1 US Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative and are available at www.gs1us.org/eCommerceExtendedAttributes.  

The guidelines support the exchange of extended product attributes in several categories including apparel, footwear, jewelry, fashion accessories, beauty products, and home products. This product data extends beyond the traditional supply chain information already exchanged between retail buyers and sellers to support consumer requirements for rich online product details. The guidelines were developed by the apparel and general merchandise retail community to strengthen trading partner collaboration in support of digital commerce initiatives.  

"Implementing these guidelines agreed upon by industry stakeholders will be central to those organizations that are employing a strong omni-channel strategy focused on serving consumers with a consistent selling experience across all retail channels," said Melanie Nuce, vice president for apparel and general merchandise at GS1 US. "The guidelines serve as a springboard for all trading partners to analyze and improve their current internal capabilities, and will help them place a strong emphasis on the product attributes consumers deem essential in making online buying decisions." 

The guidelines will serve as a resource to business analysts tasked with determining the product information that must be sourced, validated and shared within the enterprise and between trading partners in North America. 

More information about the Voluntary Guidelines for Exchanging Extended Attributes for eCommerce and the GS1 US Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative is available at www.gs1us.org/apparel/gm.

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