vrSoftware gives £10m to boost retail merchandis​ing skills

Technology firm, vrSoftware, the developer of leading

visual merchandising and design software vrMockshop, is giving away £10m to educational establishments to continue its commitment to training across the retail sector.

The software, which lets retailers create and merchandise a three-dimensional model of a retail store, has been offered to over 250 universities and colleges across the world to help provide students with cutting-edge retail skills. In the UK it has provided support to several organisations including the National Skills Academy for Retail, The Fashion Retail Academy and Hugh Baird College in Liverpool.

The software has over 5,000 users in 30 countries, and customers include major retailers such as Nike, Calvin Klein, Reebok, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas and Levi's.

Colin Liversedge, vrSoftware CEO and founder, said: "I'm a great believer in supporting apprenticeship programs and the benefit it reaps in terms of career development. Our solutions are already used on a global basis by some of the world's leading fashion brands, and for me it is a privilege to be in a position to be able to give something back to the retail industry. If I can better help prepare these students and apprentices for their future careers and equip them with specific skills which is demanded by the industry then hopefully it will lead to an even more employable workforce.”

Jane Rexworthy, Head of National Skills Academy for Retail, added: “We are delighted to have developed a partnership with vrSoftware and their VrMockshop software. The offer of free software through the National Skills Academy for Retail’s network of retail skills shops, worth around £500,000 now, is of course financially supportive but the software gives our learners a genuine cutting edge when they go out into the job market and the vital retail arena. Plus, we can meet out targets for other skills within the software, as it covers functional skills for all learners.”