The neighbourhood store has always been an invaluable resource for the community, particularly for stocking up on essentials in between major shopping trips. There is however, far more to today's independent retailers than a place to buy basic groceries. Many now offer an extensive range of goods and services such as the National Lottery, newspapers, magazines, video rental, off licences and even freshly-baked pastries.

Much of the impetus for these developments has been provided by symbol groups, such as Londis, which has a membership of over 2,000 independent retailers throughout the UK, each belonging to one of four different store formats - convenience, neighbourhood, supermarket and forecourt - depending on their size and market. In addition to volume deals on some 5,000 product lines, which it supplies through its own distribution network, Londis also enables members to compete with larger retailers by offering help with marketing and promotions, loans for store refurbishments and the opportunity to invest in the latest retail technology.

One of the first to introduce EPoS technology to their members around 15 years ago, Londis has always seen IT as a priority and invests a significant proportion of its annual turnover in developing its systems. This research and development has now produced Londis Laser, a scanning-based system which is designed to run on Epson's powerful touchscreen Intelligent Register (IR).

"The look and feel of the solution was an important part of our vision, so from a very early stage we had specified a user-friendly hardware platform," explained Londis Retail Systems Controller, Tony Nelder, who played a key role in the process. "After careful evaluation, we knew the IR had the power to deliver all the functionality we required. What's more, it has proved extremely reliable, a critical point if we are to retain the confidence of our members."

Londis Laser allows Store Owners and Managers to benefit from new features such as the opportunity to view transactions in real time from the back office, as well as all the standard sales reporting. A dial-up connection ensures that information such as price changes, promotions, orders and delivery notes can be exchanged efficiently. At the point of sale, the IR's touchscreen interface and Londis Laser software has proved a winning combination. Fast and easy to use, it enables retailers to offer the multi-buy and mix and match promotions that customers now expect from their local convenience store.

Londis Laser is now available as an EPoS solution to Londis retailers around the country. Early response shows a strong demand for earlier generation EPoS users to upgrade, as well as interest from stores new to scanning.

For further information contact
David Ormerod, Epson Retail Technology Tel: 01442 227318.