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UK consumers are spending increasing
amounts on time-saving products and services, according to a
March 2004 survey by market research organisation, Mintel. The
survey showed that we have become ‘convenience junkies’
who want to maximise their leisure time by reducing the time
spent on chores such as grocery shopping and housework.
It’s little wonder therefore, that convenience store retailing
is currently one of the most dynamic and competitive sectors
of the retail market, worth an estimated £19billion. Stores
such as SPAR offer longer opening hours and a one-stop-shop
approach – national lottery terminals, off-licences, cash
machines and mobile top-ups, alongside ‘top-up’
staple groceries.
Established in 1917, AF Blakemore is the largest of the six
licensed SPAR wholesalers in the UK, supplying 763 stores. In
1994 it expanded into retail through the acquisition of Tates
Ltd and this division now operates 184 SPAR outlets with annual
sales of £215million. Tates outlets are some of the most
innovative and forward-thinking in the group in terms of product
range, including off-licences, hot food takeaways and delicatessens;
services such as ATMs and post offices; and retail technology.
To this end, the company has begun the roll-out of Epson MR-800
modular terminals.
The high-performance terminal, with its ultra-slim touchscreen
monitor and built-in magnetic stripe reader (MSR), will run
SPARPoS scanning software. This was developed specifically for
SPAR by its software partner, Stockport-based Business Computer
Projects (BCP) and enables SPAR retailers to enhance the efficiency
of operations and make better use of staff time through faster
transactions, real time stock information and suggested ordering.
In addition, features such as in-store promotions, customer
accounts and news management will give retailers the opportunity
to enhance sales and increase profitability.
Martin Rushton, Tates Retail IT Development Manager goes on
further to explain: “With more features and services available
at the PoS, the touchscreen solution will be much more intuitive
and easier to use than a keyboard because it will only display
the options available at any moment during the transaction.
This will also reduce till errors and ensure we have the most
accurate sales and stock information.”
In addition to its superb connectivity, which enables retailers
to choose whatever peripherals or upgraded applications they
need, the MR-800 also gives Tates the complete freedom to lay
out point of sale hardware in the way which suits it best. Tates
has further enhanced this flexibility by investing in SpacePole,
from Ergonomic Solutions UK. This is a unique, modular system
of ‘plates and poles’ which enables the company
to raises the terminal screen to a height which is safe and
comfortable for individual checkout staff, rather than simply
placing the MR-800 on a waist-high counter.
“Staff
have been very positive about the new system and we will continue
to rollout the MR-800 into our retail estate. We envisage that
Epson will continue as suppliers of PoS equipment for the foreseeable
future,” concluded Rushton.
For further information contact Pauline Higgs, BCP Tel: 0161
3553000 Email: pauline.higgs@bcpsoftware.com.
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