#USA #Los Angeles #Centric PLM #MNML #AKA Brands

MNML Boosts Revenue with Centric PLM

In a remarkable shift fueled by strategic technology adoption, MNML, a prominent fashion and lifestyle brand based in Los Angeles, has successfully optimized its operations and revenue through the implementation of Centric PLM (Product Lifecycle Management). This progressive move has allowed MNML to streamline its design and production processes while significantly enhancing product quality and sales performance.

The Backstory of MNML

Founded by a group of innovative creatives, MNML has quickly risen to fame within the fashion world, particularly recognized for its men’s streetwear and direct-to-consumer model. The brand gained even more momentum after being acquired by AKA Brands in 2019, expanding into well-known retailers such as Nordstrom, JD Sports, and Amazon. This rapid growth, however, presented several operational challenges, including unclear sample timelines and disorganized workflows that hindered efficient production.

Challenges in Operations

Prior to the shift towards Centric PLM, MNML relied on outdated systems, primarily leveraging disconnected spreadsheets to manage product development and production. The process was not only cumbersome but also plagued by inconsistencies in tech packs, ultimately leading to delays in product launches and compromises in product quality. In 2024, seeking improvements in efficiency and output quality, MNML’s product development manager Pierre Moreno decided to deepen the brand's collaboration with Centric Software.

The Centric PLM Solution

Centric PLM was introduced to provide MNML with a comprehensive system for managing product lifecycle processes. The integration facilitated the establishment of clear seasonal hierarchies, a unified Bill of Materials (BOM), template tech packs, and real-time project calendars, which collectively enhanced visibility into sample statuses and overall collection progress. The transformation drastically reduced reliance on multiple spreadsheets, resulting in a more cohesive and actionable source of truth.

Moreno highlighted the immediate benefits post-implementation, noting, "The ability to access centralized, clean data eliminated guesswork that previously defined our development cycles. Visibility into samples and timelines improved dramatically."

The operational shift allowed MNML to save precious time that was previously spent on administrative tasks, enabling quicker and more informed decision-making across teams.

Strategic SKU Management

One of the critical changes resulting from the PLM implementation was a thorough review and reset of the brand's SKUs (Stock Keeping Units). In 2024, MNML had released over 800 styles that underperformed due to rushed timelines and an insufficient focus on creativity. In stark contrast, the following year, the brand intentionally reduced its SKU count by more than half, thus improving product quality and achieving stronger sell-through and collection performance. The summer of 2025 marked a significant turnaround, with MNML's drop recorded as the most successful collection to date, built on the newly structured foundation.

Enhanced Collaboration and Internal Alignment

The integration of Centric PLM not only streamlined operations but also fundamentally reshaped MNML’s organizational culture. Designers and developers gained enhanced insights into timelines and development milestones, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration. The once fragmented teams now operate with a mutual understanding and a unified vision for creative output and production speed.

Moreno succinctly described Centric PLM as the backbone of their operations, stating, "It's not just software; it's a system that enables us to scale with intention."

Fabrice Canonge, President of Centric Software, also expressed pride in MNML’s achievements, emphasizing that the brand’s forward-thinking approach aligns perfectly with Centric's capabilities to optimize assortments and expand market reach. The partnership not only led to increased sell-through rates but also set the stage for sustained income and growth.

Looking Ahead

Moving forward, MNML aims to continue its collaboration with Centric Software as it seeks to expand further within the global market. By leveraging innovative solutions and maintaining a sharp focus on quality and customer satisfaction, MNML is well-positioned to navigate the competitive landscape of the fashion industry. The brand's journey exemplifies how technology and strategy can converge to create a powerful path toward success and sustained growth in today’s fast-paced market.