Content provided by Club supplier Henderson Technology. More information about Club is available here: https://www.acs.org.uk/about-us/suppliers/club
Thaxter’s SPAR store, managed by Liam Cross for the past eight and a half years, is a popular retail store located in Dersingham, which consists of a diverse community.
The store spans just over 2,500 square feet and has been a staple in the area. It is situated beside a Garden Centre and Café, making it a convenient and well-frequented spot for locals and visitors alike. With a customer base that includes the elderly morning shoppers, workmen grabbing food on the go, schoolkids in the afternoon, and families in the evening, the store caters to a broad demographic, ensuring a constant stream of activity throughout the day.
Recently, Liam integrated a wider range of fruit and veg produce to streamline his processes but was determined to take this to the next level and introduce a more efficient EPOS system that would match his diverse in store demographic, whilst still satisfying the traditional consumer base.
Liam stated, ‘It’s a very busy store and that’s why we urged the need for a system that could match this’.
The Need for Modernisation
When Liam took over as store manager, he recognised the need to modernise the store while preserving its traditional charm that loyal customers cherished. He expanded the range of products, particularly in the fruit and vegetable section, to streamline processes and meet current market demands. Despite these changes, maintaining the store's local appeal remained a priority.
Implementation of EDGEPoS
Facing the challenge of an outdated system, Liam decided to implement EDGEPoS based on a recommendation from Blakemore, after hearing positive feedback from other retailers. Liam remarked, ‘The transition to EDGEPoS was seamless, with the back-office setup completed weeks in advance to ensure local suppliers were integrated before the 'Go Live' date. Henderson Technology provided ongoing support, making the installation process smooth and efficient. Our staff quickly adapted to the new system, appreciating its user-friendly interface and comprehensive reporting features.’
Alongside this, Liam mentioned how EDGEPoS and his electronic shelf edge labels (ESELs) worked in harmony together, ‘We already had ESELs installed in the shop before EDGEPoS was implemented. However, they worked seamlessly alongside the EDGEPoS system when it was installed. I would never go back to paper labels; it saves so much time and highlights promotions so well’.
Operational Benefits of EDGEPoS
Liam shared his positive experiences with EDGEPoS, highlighting several operational benefits. He noted, ‘ From implementing EDGEPoS we have noticed various operational benefits including improved stock control, with simplified gap checking and management by commodity group, enhanced security and saved time. It is such a quick process that I would recommend to anyone as it saves employee time that can utilised in other areas. EDGEPoS has further offered us streamlined operations through faster product scanning and more efficient till processes allowed staff to focus on other areas, boosting satisfaction and productivity. Handheld devices provided precise price analysis and order list management, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, the convenient Paypoint integration streamlined payment processes, saving time and improving customer service’.
Training and Support
The training provided by Henderson Technology ensured that even new staff could operate the EDGEPoS system proficiently within a day. Ongoing support from friendly and helpful staff, addressed any issues promptly, contributing to the overall positive experience.
EDGEPoS Future Investments
Looking ahead, Liam has decided to integrate a hybrid self-checkout (SCO) system from EDGEPoS in the summer of 2024 to cater to customer preferences, accommodate those who prefer quick, short shopping trips, reduce queues, and save staff hours.
Liam stated, "After implementing EDGEPoS and analysing my store demographic in more depth, I could clearly see that some customers wanted to have that customer relationship at the till point, while others were in a rush and wanted to do it themselves. I believe this will further save staff hours by minimising queues for both smaller and larger shops."
Liam also mentioned his plans to expand delivery options by integrating third-party apps into the till system to meet the demands of consumers for whom home deliveries are most viable.
Liam has since received training from the EDGEPoS team for the hybrid SCO and is currently awaiting the system's installation.
EDGEPoS Impact on Margins
When asked about the impact on profit margins from integrating EDGEPoS Liam stated, ‘Yes, we have seen an increase in our margins. EDGEPoS makes it easier to review margin reports and identify what's successful within our store. This system excels at analysing ordering needs and helps to reduce unnecessary waste, thereby increasing our margins. Looking back, I would always choose to install EDGEPoS. There are absolutely no regrets’.
Conclusion
The adoption of EDGEPoS at Thaxter’s SPAR Store has successfully modernised operations while preserving the store’s traditional charm. The system has streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and enhanced customer satisfaction. This case study demonstrates the positive impact of embracing modern technology in a retail environment, with EDGEPoS ensuring customer satisfaction remains at its core.
