Customers hate to queue. And, in the fast-paced convenience and supermarket sector especially, retailers need to deliver a fast, no-fuss service and a hassle-free shopping experience or they risk losing business to the competition.

Channel Islands-based retail group, Le Riche, is using a combination of Epson touchscreen technology and advanced retail management software to maximise sales throughput, enhance service and offer its customers greater convenience. With 45 outlets, the Le Riche estate includes Checkers Xpress convenience stores and forecourts, Wine Warehouses and Checkers Superstores. It also owns and operates two
Safeway branded stores.

“Having been around since 1818, Le Riche has built up a very strong local reputation for providing value, choice and quality,” said Matthew Wilkinson, Information Technology Manager at Le Riche. “We recognised the potential of retail IT and saw how it could enable us to serve our customers even more effectively.”

First on Le Riche’s list was a high-performance, touchscreen system for speedier transactions. “Reliability was a main priority. Our existing EPoS solution was very erratic and so it was vital that the new system be dependable, resilient and future-proof,” explained Matthew. The company chose Epson’s unique modular MR-800 with its ultra-slim colour monitor. “The appearance of our stores is very important and the MR-800 provides complete flexibility and allows us to configure the point of sale as we choose. We wanted a system which was contemporary and sleek and so the option for a black casing was an added bonus.”

For the solution, Le Riche turned to specialist software provider Torex Retail for “its impressive track record in deploying tailor made solutions.” Running on Epson’s MR-800s, Torex Retail’s PoS software takes care of all point of sale and back-office operations, including automating Le Riche’s supply chain and supporting its loyalty scheme. “Epson’s MRs together with Torex’s software have been fantastic. Totally interactive, they guide the operator step-by-step through the transaction process with clear on-screen prompts. As a result, accuracy is greater and service is faster.”

The Torex team also worked with the Company’s Information Systems Department to develop a self-scanning system for its Checkers Red Houses store. Le Riche required credit-card check-out facilities for this innovation, and again, another terminal from Epson’s touchscreen range was chosen – the Intelligent Register. Fully-integrated including a Magnetic Stripe Reader and thermal receipt printer, Epson’s IR allows customers to checkout quickly themselves by simply swiping their credit card to make payment.

“Shoppers increasingly want more convenience. We have found they welcome the chance to scan their own items rather than conventional queuing – it gives greater control and offers choice which only enhances customer service,” commented Matthew. “Epson’s touchscreen systems really have added value across the business. Reliable and advanced, they have added convenience and versatility and empower our staff and customers.”

An ideal choice for self scanning.

Torex Retail recommended Epson’s Intelligent Register for Le Riche’s self-scan project: “The Epson IR’s fully integrated design includes everything that Le Riche needed for the project,” commented Paul Gill, Account Manager. “Self-scanning can enhance the in-store experience, increase sales throughput and improve staff productivity and, having worked with Epson for many years, we had total confidence in its products. We knew the Intelligent Register had the performance and resilience that Le Riche required for its self-payment system.”

more about choosing an EPoS system