cruise, forecasting, inventory planning, Retail Solutions

AI Revolutionizes Cruise Retail: Harding+ and Dataviva Set Sail for Success

07 January 2025

Leading cruise retailer Harding+ and next-generation planning platform Dataviva celebrate the successful implementation of AI-driven demand forecasting and inventory management.

In mid-2023, Harding+, a global leader in cruise retail, embarked on a transformative partnership with Dataviva to enhance forecasting and replenishment capabilities through advanced AI-driven solutions. This collaboration aimed to significantly improve product availability, optimize sales, and redefine the cruise industry’s approach to supply chain management.

A Unique Retail Challenge

Unlike conventional retail supply chain transformations, the Harding+ and Dataviva project tackled unparalleled complexity. Each cruise ship operates with bespoke product assortments, traversing diverse global destinations with varying passenger demographics and logistical challenges. Together, Harding+ and Dataviva addressed one of the most intricate operational models in global retail.

Fast-forward 14 months, and the results are evident: Harding+ has gone live with Dataviva’s innovative system, marking a first for the cruise industry. Leveraging machine learning and automated replenishment, the solution has codified the intricacies of forecasting and inventory management for dynamic, ever-changing conditions. To date, approximately 70% of Harding+’s portfolio is managed through Dataviva’s platform, with key metrics already demonstrating success: out-of-stock rates on key lines have dropped by 60%, while inventory value has reduced or remains steady, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Dataviva team will be in NRF 2025, Booth 2304 (12-14 January 2025, NY), showcasing and sharing the Harding+ partnership as part of a live case study.

Driving Efficiency and Sustainability

Dataviva AI forecasting capabilities have enabled Harding+ to make data-driven decisions, optimizing stock-keeping units (SKUs) to balance customer satisfaction with streamlined operations. Live sales data analysis ensures that the right products are available at the right time, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing the guest experience.

The automation provided by the Dataviva system has also empowered the Harding+ merchandising team to focus on strategic initiatives, including long-term planning, vendor relationship development, and innovative range management strategies.

Sustainability has been a critical consideration in the project. By integrating Dataviva distribution and control systems, Harding+ can minimize their environmental impact. The platform recommends the most efficient shipping routes, reducing reliance on sea freight and minimizing the need for emergency airfreight. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances overall supply chain reliability.

Leadership Perspective

Harding + CEO Chris Matthews commented:

‘This has been a pioneering partnership. Great theory supported by strong results. Long term strategy of improvement matched with everyday tangibility for our teams. Sustainable wins from smarter planning, consistently stocked shelves, and an ability to confidently make the best decisions knowing they are backed up by live and actionable data. Data is the long-term key to all we do – we already lead the way in delivering the highest levels of guest understanding – and to have this extra dimension for our business planning is a win for everyone in the Harding+ partnership space.”

Dataviva CEO Costas Malamas added :

‘Our mission is to deliver ROI to our customers. We help businesses tick more smoothly and make smarter predictions across their Supply Chain. The Harding+ project has been uniquely challenging but satisfying, working with an end-to-end Supply Chain that is one of the most complex I’ve seen – delivering across the globe to stores that are always on the move.’

About Harding+

Harding+ is the number 1 global cruise retailer by size, working as partners with 17 different cruise line operators across the globe, and with 90+ cruise ships in operation or under contract.

We create memorable shopping experiences with a ‘Quaternity’ Partnership approach between our business, our cruise line partners, brand partners, and customers.

The business has central hubs in Bristol, Miami, and Sydney, employing over 1100 team members on board ships, and 250 landside.

The 300+ shops Harding+ operates cover 17000 m², and deliver over 4.4m transactions per year