Epicor in the U.K.

Epicor Software Corporation, a provider of enterprise business software solutions for the mid-market and divisions of the Global 1000, has opened a “Retail Center of Excellence” at the company’s European headquarters in Bracknell, United Kingdom.

The center is based on the “synergies” (and who doesn’t love a good synergy?) in the wake of the firm’s December 2005 acquisition of its retail solutions division, Epicor CRS, and will reportedly act as a central point from which Epicor will distribute retail solutions worldwide. Utilizing existing Epicor infrastructure, the company strategy entails expansion of Epicor CRS global services and support beginning with the center.

The retail center of excellence will be headed by newly named European sales director Karan Sofat. Sofat is noted as the co-founder of U.K.-based CRS value-added reseller KPOS Computer Systems and has more than 20 years of international retail experience. Sofat most recently served as sales director with Torex Retail following its acquisition of KPOS. Sofat’s responsibilities include the expansion the retail sales and support team in the U.K. to support parallel international expansion plans, such as the release of localized versions of CRS RetailStore for Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Spain and the U.K.

Epicor CRS provides retail management software, hardware, and services to a retail clientele spanning more than 50,000 in-store systems in 32 countries and 10 languages. Epicor clients include Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Ann Taylor, Barnes & Noble, bebe, Cache, Chico’s, Coach, Dress Barn, Eileen Fisher, Factory Connection, Finish Line, Foot Locker, GNC, J.Crew, Mikasa, Skechers, Stage Stores, Transworld Entertainment, Tuesday Morning, Inc., Yankee Candle Company and Zumiez. Epicor CRS employs more than 360 in Newburgh, N.Y., Seattle, Wash., and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Founded in 1984, Irvine, Calif.-based Epicor Software serves over 20,000 customers in more than 140 countries in thirty-one languages. Epicor delivers end-to-end, industry-specific solutions for manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality and services.