For all companies within the retail industry, including manufacturers and retailers, the GS1 US Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative will continue to foster company collaboration and advance industry through supply chain efficiencies, standardization, and guidelines. That’s because VICS and GS1 US have been recognized as the industry authorities for bringing parties together, providing solutions, and establishing best practices that will result in a single industry voice.

For 2013, the GS1 US Apparel and General Merchandise Initiative is committed to:

• Providing expertise and support for GS1 Standards implementation – delivering supply chain savings and increased sales
• Supplying best practice processes – such as EPC RFID in your store and network – for operational improvements
• Developing guidelines that support industry collaboration and supply chain efficiency
• Enhancing existing guidelines for the logistics industry and CPFR
• Gaining greater awareness of EPC RFID and educating on the supply chain benefits

A Closer Look at the Transitions

Current	Future	Timing
VICS Committee	GS1 US Apparel and GM Initiative Workgroups	Spring 2013
VICS Guidelines	On GS1 US site - under the VICS Library of Guidelines	Spring 2013