In a competitive and fast-paced industry, fashion retailers need to stand out from the crowd. Having the right technology and tools in place is crucial in developing business and delivering first class customer service.

Born from the impressive Union Bank of Manchester building, Bank Fashion has rapidly become the home of independent designer brands for people who care about what they wear. With a wide range of premium menswear, ladieswear and footwear, Bank Fashion’s collections include DKNY, Miss Sixty, Ted Baker and Lacoste. Originally established in 1982 as a sportswear retailer, its aggressive expansion plans have evolved the company significantly over the last two decades. In 2002, for example, it merged with fellow fashion retailer Fire & Ice, increasing the number of stores from 13 to 24, making Bank Fashion a familiar high-street fixture across the North East, North West and the Midlands.

Indeed, it was Bank Fashion’s ambitious growth strategy which led to a need for a new EPoS system. Joining with Fire & Ice, meant that its previous system simply couldn’t cope. “As a fast expanding fashion chain, customer service, stock control and up-to-date sales information is vital to our success in giving customers what they want,” commented Simon Brassington, IT Manager at Bank Fashion. “Therefore an integrated system which could manage all aspects of the business is what we were looking for.”

After evaluating many different options, Bank Fashion turned to FuturERS from Berkshire-based solution provider Futura, because of its experience in providing specialised integrated systems to fashion and lifestyle companies. FuturERS is a comprehensive IT system which manages everything from EPoS, financial accounting, to stock auto-distribution and replenishment.

At the point of sale, across the entire chain, there are 36 tills running the Windows-based software. The combination of intuitive software, barcode scanners and Epson’s fast and reliable TM-T88III thermal receipt printers, enables Bank Fashion to process transactions more quickly and improve customer service.

“The benefits of our new EPoS system are far reaching,” said Simon Brassington. “Having instant access to key data such as stock reports and sales analysis, allows us to plan and forecast much more efficiently. Matching supply with demand is a very important issue for us as a fashion retailer, and this system enables us to stay one step ahead of the game.” He continued, “The Epson printers are the soundest I have ever known. They are extremely reliable and easy to maintain which further improves the way in which we operate.”

Bank Fashion’s expansion is set to continue with another 50 stores due to open over the next three years. “We plan to roll-out the system to every new outlet we open. It’s important to us that we develop the system so it meets our needs as Bank Fashion continues to grow.”