FLIPPING THE RETAIL SCRIPT FOR GOOD

SPECIALTY RETAILER ALTAR'D STATE IS HOT. HERE'S HOW THEY'RE REBUILDING THEIR IT TO ACCOMMODATE THE BLAZE.

In a coffee shop in 2009, the founders of Altar'd State devised a plan for a new kind of retail - a brand with an unparalleled shopping experience rooted in an ethos that demands sharing their success with those in need. Their name hints at their impact-based approach and their drive to alter the retail industry.

"Giving back is not what we do, it's who we are," said co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer Aaron Walters. "We run our business on some simple principles-treat others how you want to be treated and give much help to others. We put love into our business."

Stand Out For Good is the Altar'd State primary mission. Locally and globally, they have partnered with over 4,000 nonprofits that provide food, clothing, resources, education, and love to children in need. The retailer operates 144 stores in 39 states, and includes four sister brands: Arula, specializing in mid and plus sizes; Vow'd offers unique, beautiful wedding wear at an honest price; Tullabee curates clothing for baby and toddler; and AS Revival focuses on women's activewear.

As the flagship brand Altar'd State took off, they needed to revamp their IT to support their growth. In 2022 they brought in Joergen ScheuerLarsen as SVP and CIO. Prior to joining, Scheuer-Larsen held executive roles at powerhouse brands, including Lego, Carlsberg Breweries, and Fossil. He is currently overseeing a transformation of Altar'd State's IT systems.

Altar'd State IT has been anchored around traditional Retail IT architecture that had difficulty supporting growth.