At the heart of Norwich since 1823, Jarrold is an independent family-owned department store offering a unique and contemporary shopping experience with a sense of heritage. Crowned the UK's Independent Department Store of the Year 2004, by prestigious fashion retail magazine Drapers, Jarrold has recently completed a major development programme introducing new departments and replacing vital merchandise and till systems.

Within its 90,000 sq ft store, you can find everything from kitchenware, furniture, toys to top fashion brands and accessories. Trading over five floors, Jarrold boasts an array of major brands including recent additions Hobbs, Ted Baker, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Sand, MAC, Benefit and LK Bennett. Jarrold also trades from a branch network of three stationers stores and two furniture stores outside of Norwich, within Norfolk and Suffolk."Our aim was to replace key business systems in an effort to rationalise the number of systems in use, and also to provide effective unit stock control and better business information," explained Robin Derriman, the store's IT Manager. "It was vital that the system could meet the needs and specific key business functions of a large department store such as ours. Ease of support and ease of use were also major deciding factors."

A review of the market-place led Jarrold to select Futura's FuturERS with integrated EPoS, stock management and reporting. A comprehensive IT system, the Futura solution provides the end-to-end solution for the diverse requirements of many departments in the Jarrold business, and benefits from tight version control and affordable support costs.

Currently rolling out across all Jarrold stores, the Windows-based software runs on flatscreen terminals at the point of sale. Combined with barcode scanners and Epson's fast and reliable TM-T88III thermal receipt printers, the new system provides efficiency and enhanced customer service. "Our new system is working splendidly and was a significant help in getting through the peak Christmas and New Year selling periods which can be a challenging time," reported Robin. "The Epson printers have performed very well and we are extremely happy."

For further information contact
John James, Futura, Tel: 01635 551246