Interim Management and Outsourced Services
HMR has the knowledge and experience to manage and operate retail stores of any size and type on an interim basis either following a merger or acquisition or as part of a restructuring plan, whether or not such stores are designated for closing.
Furthermore, many of the services offered by HMR to assist in a merger, acquisition, divestiture or restructuring scenario are also available on an outsourced basis to retailers who need to supplement or replace in-house initiatives. Outsourcing through HMR has proven to be an effective cost control strategy and, in many cases, actually results in improved performance.
Store management
HMR has a sizeable team of field consultants, all of whom are seasoned retailers. At a moment’s notice, we can take over any aspect of a store’s management and/or operation. The nature of the retail platform is never an issue, as HMR has managed every type of platform.
Merchandising management
Our team of executives is largely comprised of experienced retailers, many of whom have held executive positions in major retailing operations in the US and Canada. As part of an interim management team, these seasoned professionals are able to direct the merchandising process, from planning and procurement, to logistics and in-store display.
Marketing and advertising management
We maintain a fully-staffed marketing and advertising group, led by the former marketing head of a major department store chain. Our capabilities include promotional campaign strategic planning, creative and production, media negotiations and placement, and more. Should an interim need arise, our marketing team can be operational in one business day or less.
Sale event planning and execution
HMR has unsurpassed expertise in the development and implementation of sale events, whether in host stores or new venues. In fact, it is one of our core competencies. We have earned a reputation as the go-to company for generating higher returns on inventory while minimizing expenses. Accordingly, HMR can tailor a sale event to meet the need of any retailer with regard to time constraints, preservation of margin, protection of the brand, events at selective stores or in regions, and related concerns.
Strategic store openings
Are you opening temporary stores to move excess inventory or permanent stores to expand your market penetration? HMR can provide cost-effective implementation of the complete store opening process, to help you begin selling sooner.
Outsourcing store openings to HMR eliminates the need to use associates and managers from existing store locations in opening temporary or new locations. This practice can create internal distractions and can lead to sales losses, increased stock shortages, customer service degradation, declining employee morale and increased employee fatigue.
HMR has the resources and ability to handle multiple, simultaneous store openings, regionally, nationally or internationally. Our services, which are executed consistent with the retailer’s plan, will actually pay for themselves. They include:
- Orchestration of all store merchandising, including implementation of inventory control systems.
- Planning and implementation of asset protection systems. Our experts will conduct physical security surveys, establish standards, acquire and supervise installation of all security systems, conduct new hire personnel screening and, where needed, provide loss prevention orientation training.
- Conducting store opening and on-going advertising and marketing campaigns, including development of the promotional strategy, budget and a tracking plan, management of media procurement, production, traffic and payment, and creation of PR, special events and other promotional initiatives.
FF&E value maximization
Whether you are closing facilities as part of a merger, acquisition or strategic restructuring, relocating or remodeling facilities, we can unlock the maximum value in your unwanted furniture, fixtures and equipment value through our subsidiary, Hilco Fixed Asset Recovery (“HFAR”).
The experts at HFAR can monetize your fixed assets, quickly and at higher recovery rates. They bring more than a quarter century of experience, proven marketing and logistics systems, the latest technology and substantial investment capital to generate unparalleled results in a timely manner.
HFAR will thoroughly analyze your pool of assets to determine an optimal exit strategy for each asset category, including furniture, fixtures, machinery, IT and other types of equipment, warehouse material handling equipment, and rolling stock.
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Brand protection
HFAR professionals understand the importance of your brand. They know how to properly handle the removal and destruction all forms of intellectual property as may be associated with the disposition of FF&E. Field consultants and contractors are thoroughly trained to identify, remove and properly dispose of identity-related elements such as signs, window treatments, flooring treatments, and other forms of decorative accents.
- Broom clean assurance
We provide “broom clean” assurances that go far beyond a general clean-up following a sale. As may be required, our contractors will cap electrical and plumbing service outlets, restore concrete floors and walls, replace glass, doors, trim and other components, and then thoroughly clean the facility. Rest assured, we will leave your facilities in full compliance with local ordinances and/or leasehold requirements.
Loss prevention services
If your company has a loss prevention department, our subsidiary, Hilco Asset Protection, can supplement internal capabilities in areas where initiatives are needed but internal hiring may not make the most sense, or it may simply be too time-consuming or difficult to implement or manage these programs.
Where a company has no loss prevention department, Hilco is ready to step in and provide turnkey services, including strategic planning, personnel hiring and training, acquisition and implementation of technology systems, and overall program management.
Real estate disposition and lease restructuring
Our affiliate, Hilco Real Estate, is a leader in solving retail real estate challenges. Their experts can purchase, sell or sub-lease fee owned properties, restructure lease portfolios and mitigate leasehold obligations. They can provide sale-leasebacks to help create additional liquidity.
Inventory appraisals
Through our affiliate, Hilco Appraisal Services, we offer you the three most important attributes you can have in a retail inventory appraisal: (1) experience; (2) validation through asset disposition capabilities; and, (3) an appraiser who is backed by risk capital.
Year-after-year Hilco Appraisal Services is a world leader in retail inventory appraisals. They provide retailers, lenders and equity sponsors with reliable, market-tested valuations and timely report delivery.
Hilco appraisals are validated by asset disposition market data accumulated by HMR on a daily basis. In addition, our asset disposition professionals routinely provide peer reviews on all inventory appraisals to verify value opinions.