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New retail POS software certification meets French fiscalisation laws
Latest French certification for our retail epos systems opens up new opportunities for retailers looking to expand internationally (read in French here) It was awarded by INFOCERT, the largest certification authority in Europe. A Consultant at INFORCERT Consultant commended the team; “The certification requirements to meet French fiscalisation law are extremely rigorous and in my experience, only half of companies are successful in their first attempt. However, I could see from the outset that Eurostop’s high quality development methods and detailed supporting documentation would support their application and have contributed to their success.” We have just achieved certification for our retail POS software, e-pos touch, to comply with French fiscalisation laws. This is an exciting new development for us and opens up new opportunities for our customers. With this certification it means that retailers can trade in France knowing that their retail epos systems comply with French fiscal law. It is a great feature for our customers who are looking to expand their market footprint, not only operating through multi-channels, but also internationally. French fiscalisation – the why and how Since the new fiscal law was enforced in France in January 2018, all retailers are required to use certified, compliant software, to prevent any fraud by data changing and software modification. POS software companies that retailers choose have to meet strict criteria to show that their retail POS software is compliant with the law and meets the NF525 certification. Using the certified secure accounting software or POS systems, data has to be submitted to the Tax Authority (French Loi de finances) upon request in a simple readable format. In addition, all financial and system related transactions have to be recorded and saved in real time and digitally signed, including sales and refunds. High quality development To comply with these fiscal requirements, we have integrated our EPOS software with EFSTA (a leading fiscal software developer) middleware solution “Electronic Fiscal Registers” (EFR). This means that retailers using Eurostop software will be able to show the tax authorities that they comply and have a ‘Certificate of Conformity’ administered by their software provider. With this integration the transaction process is fast and secure and satisfies the criteria required. Meeting the criteria for certification required high quality development and detailed documentation to be submitted, and it is a testament to our development and projects team’s commitment and thorough working practices that we successfully achieved accreditation. For more information request a call back, or contact us at [email protected] or +44 (0) 208 991 2700
Is TMS the answer to requests for Shopping Mall rent reductions?
Requests for Rent reductions Retail needs to reinvent itself to stay relevant, and more to the point, to stay in business. While the death of traditional retail has long been predicted, at Eurostop we feel that bricks and mortar retailers still have a lot to give, and if the most recent headlines are to be believed so too do the latest generation of shoppers, millennial Shoppers are becoming more discerning and looking for a better experience and to be entertained, shopping after all is a leisure activity. One area that could really help stricken retailers is a reduction in rents. Recently we have seen a spate of high profile retailers such as Ann Summers, Clarks and Monsoon Accessorize asking for, and receiving, reductions in their rents. Landlords have traditionally set rents as part of multi-year contracts or leases, with very little option for flexibility, and over the years, many retailers have invoked a CVA or gone out of business as a result. TMS – a win/win solution While lower rents would be good for the retailers, they are not so good for the landlord. However, there is an alternative model – one that we at Eurostop have seen at first hand powered with a TMS (Tenant Management System), operating with great success throughout Asia. In the Far East where the mega-mall shopping culture is still ahead of the UK, landlords charge a smaller ‘rent’, plus a percentage of turnover. This results in a flexible rent option that adjusts proportionally if a retailer is doing well, encouraging sustainability for retailers in the mall. Those retailers that are highly successful generate more income for the landlord, and it is therefore in the landlords own best interest to ensure that they have a prime location within the mall. Lower rents + commission = a better deal for all This model could work very well in the UK where for some years now, there has been a trend towards out-of-town shopping malls. Consumers are attracted by more up market food halls, restaurants and bars, and often other leisure facilities such as cinemas and bowling alleys. Better decisions supported by sales and footfall Successful shopping malls offer a mix of high-profile anchor tenants to attract large numbers of customers together with plenty of fresh, new brands to keep the shoppers interested and coming back for more. A Tenant Management System (TMS) can help landlords to gather information such as sales and footfall data across all types of tenant, enabling them to make fact-based decisions. The data can show the location of sales so that landlords can identify the busiest, most profitable locations, and so allocate pitches accordingly. With a TMS they can also track information such as sales value by floor and retail sector. This enables the landlord to optimise the space and meet demand, by offering successful and sought-after brands premium positions within the mall. In addition, having an overall view of sales means that landlords can see the result of specific marketing campaigns, for example, a promotion to boost visitors on mid-weekdays that tend to be quieter. More detailed analysis shows whether footfall increased and if sales increased as a result. By combining a fixed price element to the rent, with a performance related element, shopping malls are able to offer rents that are manageable, even for start-up businesses, and benefit when those brands become more successful. In this way, it is in the landlord’s interest to help market the mall to attract visitors, and a successful retailer is happy to pay commission when sales are good, knowing that during quiet times the rent will be lower which helps with cash flow. For more information, find out more about our TMS solution.
The latest trends and technology for retail EPOS systems
Today’s retail technology is defining the way that brands are interacting with customers. Providing excellent service and having the right stock are still the absolute essentials when it comes to successful retailing, however, forward thinking retailers are capturing market share with new technology that include specific EPOS features to enhance the customer experience. Clever adoption of the latest POS systems is levelling the playing field for smaller, independent retailers, enabling them to challenge the bigger players. With new EPOS features now available, the new POS systems can act as a central point for all aspects of a retailer’s business – from stock management, fulfilment, e-commerce and financial reports and customer marketing. We’ve identified four key trends in retail POS technology that can help you to compete in a fast moving market; 1. Customer experience While online shopping continues to grow, customers are still visiting stores to see and feel goods. The instore experience is becoming increasingly important. Faster checkout times, a choice of payment options and easily accessible product information are all key to a successful visit. The best EPOS features integration with your stock and warehouse systems, so that your staff can provide advice on availability across your entire store estate, and enables you to transfer items for customer collection or delivery. As well as processing transactions, they can also provide email receipts, making it easier for the customer, reducing paper and streamlining the sale. 2. Faster payment Today’s shopper is often cash rich, but time poor and won’t stand in long queues waiting to pay. Providing contactless payment, including smartphone payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay is a faster, more convenient way to let customers pay. Investing in the latest systems that include EPOS features to accommodate these new payment methods ensures your customers never abandon their basket. 3. Collecting customer data Research by Accenture has shown that 83% of shoppers are willing to provide their information in exchange for a personalised experience. Smart retailers are taking advantage of this trend by collecting data from their customers, and using the latest POS systems makes it easy for your customers to do so. By collecting and analysing customer purchases you can gain insights on what they may buy in future, and create personalised promotions and discounts to entice them instore or to buy online. The latest EPOS also provide additional reporting features that present sales data in easy to understand formats so that you can make more effective business decisions. You can see at a glance which lines are selling well, according to colour, size or if you have multiple outlets – by location. 4. Going Mobile New mobile POS and tablets can provide smart ways for customers to pay and reduce queues at the till point. They make it easier for your staff to assist customers on the shop floor, to answer any stock queries or provide style advice. Mobile solutions are also a key technology trend, as new apps are enhancing the shopping experience. Apps like Eurostop’s MyShoppr™ are available and run on any smartphone device, enabling the shopper to check stock instantly on the shop floor, research products and product lines. Getting the balance right instore is tricky. While some customers like to be left to browse alone, others like a true personalised service to help them choose the right product. The great thing about the latest EPOS tech is that by using some of the latest features available, you can enhance your instore service to keep your customers coming back, however they like to shop. Technology vector created by macrovector – www.freepik.com
What EPOS features are needed for Fashion Retailers?
What to look for in a fashion EPOS Despite accounts in the media of the big retailers struggling – Debenhams and M & S to name but a few – statistics show that the fashion market has been growing steadily over the past few years. In fact, 2019 has seen particular growth according to the National Office of Statistics . The annual expenditure on clothing, based on sales volume, has seen a gradual increase. All of this makes good reading for fashion retailers. However, in such a competitive market, to be successful you need to keep abreast of changes in shopper tastes and habits to ensure you stay on your customer’s shopping list. Fashion is a personal thing – everyone’s tastes differ, which is why the successful retailer will be the one that can provide great service, trend and product advice instore – as well as keep up with the latest trends online. The rise of tech and online shopping has clearly made a big impact on the bottom line, but importantly for bricks and mortar shops the systems instore provide the foundations for success. Today fashion EPOS systems do much more than simply process sales. The best fashion EPOS can provide many other features including; inventory and employee management, a customer management and membership system, stock transfers, sales reporting and more. By integrating with your CRM system, accounting package, warehousing, sales data and ecommerce, it gives retailers a finger on the pulse of their business. We’ve identified three key areas to look out for in a fashion EPOS system to help you manage your stock, staff and keep customers coming back for more: 1. Choose a POS till system that’s easy to use Customers with an interest in fashion enjoy the shopping experience, as well as shopping online to get the latest look. A fashion EPOS system with a clear visual display makes it quick for staff to learn, easy to use and improves your customer experience. Being able to search for stock, manage discounts and promotions and take customer details for loyalty schemes streamlines your customer service. With additional barcode scanning, chip and PIN and contactless pay, payment is quick and easy to process. Being able to provide email receipts or gift receipts at till point also reduces administration and enhances your customer experience. New tablet POS systems also provide the flexibility of being able to serve customers away from the till, to look up products, process sales and reduce queues at busy times. 2. How easily does it integrate with your other business systems? Integrating your fashion EPOS with central stock management, warehousing and business intelligence gives a complete overview of the business. Having insights of your stock across your entire retail estate and warehouse enables you to quickly fulfil requests in different stores, or meet online demand. With complete visibility of clothing ranges, you can ensure that slow moving items are promoted or discounted, while hot sellers can be quickly replenished in stores to maximise profits. 3. Reports to keep you in control It’s worth investing in a fashion EPOS system that generates reports that enable you to drill down into sales and returns, easily and quickly, to see trends. Fashion is fast moving, which means it is essential to keep abreast of changes and respond quickly to customer tastes and demands. Being able to keep track of best -selling lines, colours and sizes means that you can reorder stock to meet customer demand, so they need never be disappointed. There is no doubt that technology plays an important part in successful retailing. The right POS system can not only help to deliver the best instore experience, it can also support your omnichannel business, opening your shopfront to the world.
Three ways to improve your Customer Experience with Retail POS Systems
Savvy retailers, both large chains and smaller independents, will know that you can’t just rely on sales spikes (like Christmas or Black Friday) and discounting offers to keep a business profitable. Customer loyalty is an important part of the retailer’s armoury, which means not only providing the right products at the right price, but giving that extra customer service that makes them come back. Customer experience is a hot topic at the moment, as retailers introduce cookery demonstrations or design workshops, even sports events screenings, to entice customers in. Furthermore, ensuring that their actual shopping experience is up to par is all part of enhancing their relationship with your brand. Here are a few straightforward ways that you can improve your customer experience; 1. Save time at the till The latest retail epos systems make it easy for staff to manage promotions, so that you can process transactions quickly and smoothly at the till – and enhance your customer’s experience with no waiting in long queues. With your multi-buy offers, or extra discounts set up on the system, a quick touch on the display is all it takes to calculate the price and process the transaction – and it’s fast and seamless for the customer. It’s a fact that no matter how many extra staff you have – or how good your team – there will always be times when there are a rush of customers. Investing in a mobile or tablet retail pos gives extra flexibility – from looking up stock when serving on the shop floor, to processing sales to reduce queues at the till. In addition, offering contactless enables faster, easier and secure payment, which means shorter queues and more choice for customers wishing to pay by card, phone or even their smartwatch with Apple Pay. 2. Offer multi-channel shopping The case for multi-channel shopping is compelling. A study by McKinsey and the Harvard Business Review , reported that a retailer’s omnichannel customers are more valuable on multiple counts, spending an average of 4% more on every shopping occasion in the store and 10% more online than single-channel customers. Even more compelling, conducting prior online research on the retailer’s own site or sites of other retailers led to 13% greater in-store spending among omnichannel shoppers. There’s no doubt that multichannel selling can help you increase your bottom line. Connected retail epos systems ensure that your customers can switch between channels effortlessly. From searching online for a particular item, selecting colour and size and then choosing whether to buy online, instore or collect in store. With connected stock control software you can fulfil orders direct to the customer from your warehouse, or despatch to a store from another outlet. You can view your stock inventory across your estate, ensuring that your customer is never disappointed. 3. Embrace the Mobile App Convenience is key for consumers. Customers don’t think about in store, or online, but simply how can I get what I want, when I want, and in the most convenient way possible for them. Providing a true omni channel customer experience means you never miss a potential sale, online or in store. Eurostop’s MyShoppr® gives your customers the right information at their fingertips. From self stock checks instantly on the shop floor, researching products, to opting for delivery later at home, MyShoppr™ acts as your customers’ personal in store assistant and makes it easier for your customers to make a buying decision. Following these three steps will help boost your sales – online and instore – and keep your customers coming back. Now is the time to review whether your retail pos systems are up to the challenge to give you and your customers what they want. Extract from ‘A Study of 46,000 Shoppers Shows That Omnichannel Retailing Works’, from McKinsey and the Harvard Business Review
Is your retail EPOS ready for Black Friday?
Black Friday is an important time for retailers to boost profits, taking over in many cases from the traditional summer and January sales. This year new figures suggest that UK consumers are predicted to spend a record amount on Black Friday despite the political uncertainty. For retailers small and large, it’s a good time to take stock, not only in the true sense of preparing for increased demand of your top selling ranges, but also of the systems you have in place in store. You may already be recruiting extra staff to meet the increased footfall, as well as training up your existing team to make sure you capitalise on opportunities, but what of your retail pos system? Your epos system can make a big difference to your customer service – it may be great at processing sales and refunds, but why stop there? A live retail epos system enables you to easily calculate promotions, take customer details for loyalty programmes and check stock across your entire store and warehouse estate – all at the till point. Black Friday is not just about maximising sales on the day – it’s also about investing in the long term by taking the opportunity to recruit new customers onto your database to build loyalty and repeat purchases. We’ve put together four ways that you can boost sales by improving your customer experience in store: 1. Get your promotions lined up The latest epos software makes it easy for staff to manage your promotions smoothly, so that customers don’t have to wait in long queues. With your multi-buy offers, or extra discounts for Black Friday already set up, a quick touch on the display is all it takes to calculate the price and process the transaction. It’s fast and seamless for the customer, and frees your sales team to concentrate on offering additional offers or signing them up for your loyalty programmes. 2. Enhance your customer experience With customer facing screens at the till point you can add a new dimension to your in store experience. A full colour multimedia rear screen can enable you to display offers in store or promote other services– maybe your café specials or a gift wrapping service. It helps make your customers wait time in the queue more enjoyable and is an opportunity to cross sell. 3. Bust those queues No matter how many extra staff you have – or how good your team – there will always be times when there are a rush of customers. Investing in a mobile or tablet pos can give you extra flexibility – from looking up stock when serving on the shop floor, to processing sales to reduce queues at the till point. Mobile epos solutions help your staff keep customer service a priority. 4. Go Contactless Contactless pay is a win-win for you and your customers. Providing faster, easier and secure payment means shorter queues, reducing the number of customers that abandon them due to a long wait. Plus, you can offer customers the choice to pay by card, phone or even their smartwatch with Apple Pay. A retail epos system is more than just a till point to process sales, it’s a sophisticated omni-channel sales tool that helps you provide the best possible customer service in store. For more information on how Eurostop’s EPOS solution, e-pos touch, could boost your Black Friday sales, contact us today. https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2019/11/shoppers-expected-to-spend-2-53bn-on-black-friday-3-4-more-than-2018/
Eurostop Black Friday Retail Software Promotion
35% OFF EurostopSoftware & Services For Black Friday 2019, Eurostop are offering a fantastic promotion for new customers wanting to experience the power of Eurostop Retail Systems. The limited time special offer is for a 35% discount off the price of software and services* for customers signing up with Eurostop between the 19th November 2019 and the 10th December 2019. If you need a new retail EPOS system and stock control software and want to take advantage of this limited time Black Friday 2019 promotion, call us today on 0208 991 2700 quoting reference BLK19SS to find out more, or request a free demonstration. Free Demonstration *For new customer orders placed through the UK office. Not including monthly subscription products (TRP, TMS, MyShoppr and mpos) or hardware. Promotion only applies to Eurostop software and services. No other discounts can be used in conjunction with this promotion.
Flexible Eurostop systems help Simmonds meet busy ‘Back to School’ sales with pop-up schoolwear shops
Flexible retail systems enable pop-up schoolwear shops to help manage the busy summer, extending the sales period to run from Easter to October Live sales and stocks from school sales and online orders provide accurate stock updates for management team through connected accounts system Wholesale module enables Simmonds to manage effective distribution of schoolwear products to over 50 schools “We work with over 70 school customers and there is no doubt that Eurostop is central to our business. Eurostop’s systems are used by everyone throughout the company – from staff working in our stores in schools to our merchandisers and warehouse team. The flexibility that Eurostop offers enables us to run extra pop-up shops in schools during the summer period, helping us manage an incredibly busy time. It’s better for the parents and schools and enables us to ensure we can meet demand.” Karen Gore, General Manager, Simmonds The Challenge Retail technology for a thriving seasonal business Established in 1837, Simmonds & Son is a family firm selling school uniforms with the aim to provide value for money and excellent service. The company supplies to over 70 schools in total. This includes over 50 wholesale school customers, selling in 19 in-school stores across the UK, a flagship store in Tunbridge Wells and a central distribution centre in Tonbridge. With the success of a growing business, Simmonds found that the focus for sales in the summer months was becoming increasingly challenging, particularly meeting the last minute demand in the back to school rush in August. The company wanted to extend its ability to sell in the schools but starting earlier in the term, which would enable it to reorder stocks as necessary. The Solution Simmonds is an established user of Eurostop retail systems – to manage stocks and sales online, in its main store, school shops, central warehouse, as well as to its school ‘wholesale’ customers. Simmonds are now also using Eurostop to support additional ‘pop-up’ shops in the schools, and to help alleviate the back to school rush. Schools don’t necessarily have the space to hold large amounts of stock, or have dedicated real estate for a standalone shop. Simmonds are able to take advantage of the versatility of the Eurostop POS system, which enables them to setup in school ‘event shops’ for special promotions, or pop-up shops during the week. The system has offline capabilities for selling, still allowing automatic upload of sales via the inbuilt queuing mechanism, once the till is back online. Simmonds also use Eurostop’s wholesale module to manage and control its range of stock as it supplies over 50 stores across the UK with uniform products. The Result Connected pop-up schoolwear shops help meet high demand during peak times This has extended the sales period to run from Easter to October, helping to ease the main back to school rush which used to add pressure before the school year started. The Eurostop retail software and hardware is used by Simmonds management team at their head office, warehouse and pop-up shop staff in multiple locations across the UK. Daily sales from the event stores or pop-up shops synchronise with the head office system, enabling the management teams – both finance and merchandising – to view which items of stock are selling and where orders are needed to replenish. High volume website and wholesale orders are then fulfilled against live stocks and are despatched from the Tonbridge warehouse to Simmonds’ customers. “We currently have 19 school shops and while they are all run on similar lines, each one is individually tailored to the requirements of the given school. The warehouse not only supports the demands of online selling but also traditional retailing through our Tunbridge Wells store and the shops operated within schools,” explained Karen. “With the pop-up shops we are able to use Eurostop’s POS system to extend our shop further and enable parents to buy uniform earlier in the term, from Easter through to October, thus avoiding the pressured sales during August. It’s better for the parents and schools, and enables us to ensure we can really meet demand.” Integration with finance systems keeps a finger on the pulse of the business The Eurostop retail systems are integrated with Simmonds’ financial system, Sage Accounts, enabling Simmonds to run reports and keep a tight rein on sales and stock supplies to manage costs and profitability. The merchandising team is also able to download reports to see trends, including which lines are more popular and monitor sizes that are in demand. “The benefit of the integrated system is that we can see what is selling well. Sometimes we find that the sizes of a cohort of children may vary – either bigger or smaller, and being able to start earlier now means that we have time to get more of the right stock in,” said Karen. Fast fulfilment of online orders supports growing demand Integration with Simmonds’ recently updated website also ensures that online orders, a growing part of the business, are fulfilled quickly with all stock centrally managed. Annual stock takes are carried out using the Eurostop system in October and November, for the buying team to forecast and place orders by December for the following year. “We have seen a lot more parents choosing to buy online for convenience and it is an area that we expect to grow. Our ultimate aim is to be able to match Amazon and deliver within a few days. Eurostop will help us to achieve this with the connectivity that we have across our systems. We are continually using Eurostop’s system – there is no doubt that it is core to our business,” said Karen. About Simmonds & Son S. Simmonds & Son was established in 1837 by Sarah Simmonds, at the age of sixteen years old, as a general clothing company undertaking alterations and making smocks from its premises in Chapel Place,
Shaws Department Stores invest in Eurostop to optimise stock management across stores
“We looked at a number of solutions and when we asked Eurostop whether the system could meet our requirements, the answer was always yes.” Eamon Dole, Finance Director, Shaws Streamlined company stock management handles nearly 1m live SKUs across 17 stores and warehouse Instant visibility of sales and stock has dramatically reduced administration time SKU level performance data enables accurate reporting for informed business decisions for merchandising and finance The Challenge Shaws is one of Ireland’s leading department store chains, with over half a million customer visits to its 17 stores every month. The Department stores sell a variety of high quality clothing, accessories, footwear, beauty and home products – in total nearly 1m different SKUs at any time to track and manage. With around 70-80% of stock delivered direct to the stores, and the remaining amount to a central warehouse, it was becoming more difficult to maintain accurate stocks. As the existing system recorded sales against department, and not by SKU, mini stock takes were required to assess stock levels across the stores, while sales margins were calculated weekly following reconciliation of sales and stock at head office. As a well established brand, Shaws wanted to carry on servicing their much-loved customers with a connected retail system that would enable them to manage their complete range of stock items effectively. The Solution Shaws invested in a fully connected head office stock management and EPOS solution from Eurostop to support its department stores and warehouse. “We looked at a number of solutions and when we asked Eurostop whether the system could meet our requirements, the answer was always yes. If it wasn’t already in the system, it could be developed.” One of the key reasons for selecting Eurostop’s system was its ability to handle ‘multi-dimensional’ stock details, for example, colour and size breakdowns per product, as well as SKUs from different brand suppliers. In addition, Shaws found that the design of the retail hierarchy utilised by the Eurostop system was well matched to their own business model. Eamonn Doyle, Finance Director at Shaws said; “We have a complex business model with stock delivered to our stores and the warehouse. We wanted to be able to reconcile our stock positions against sales to see what was selling, which lines to replenish and where. e-pos touch was installed on tills in all of the department stores, with e-rmis at head office. The lifecycle of all stock is fully managed – from goods-in, branch transfers, sales and stocktakes. Scanners are used to check all stock into the warehouse, as well as to create picking lists ensuring the right stock is despatched to stores, faster. Shaws has also set target replenishments to manage stock from its warehouse to the stores, with the option to override should it be required. The Result Improved visibility of stock across stores The visibility of stock across the stores has dramatically reduced the administration for staff in stores. They now have instant visibility of their expansive range of stock by colour and size, rather than just by department – what they are receiving, what is in the warehouse and when deliveries are due. “We stock a huge variety of items – from clothing to homewares and electricals. We can now look at what is selling and what is left – whether by department, SKU, supplier, season and the information is accessible in a really user friendly way,” explained Doyle. New e-pos provides enhanced options at till point Using Eurostop e-pos touch, Shaws is now able to manage split payments (cash and credit card) at the tillpoint. “It has taken a lot of the manual work away – we can see exactly where stock is flying off the shelves and where we need to reduce orders. Having the supplier barcodes has also made it easier and faster when we wish to replenish stock,” said Doyle. Accurate up to the minute sales data supports business decisions The accurate sales data populates reports for the finance manager and merchandising teams, helping them to assess popular lines, low sellers and non-profitable products, helping Shaws to ensure that they have the right stock at the right place at the right time. “These are challenging times for retailers, particularly with the increase in online shopping. Now we have the sales information that helps us manage our stock, trade better and make customer service a priority.” “Information from the Eurostop system supports business decisions, enabling us to continue to be successful in all our stores in the provinces. Our investment in Eurostop systems will enable us to continue to achieve this.” About Shaws Henry Shaw founded Shaws in 1864, when he opened a small drapery store in Mountmellick, Co. Laois. Today, the company remains family-owned and the current Managing Director, Jonathan Shaw, is among the fourth generation of the Shaw family to work in the business.
Simmonds school wear meets busy ‘Back to School’ sales with in school selling events using pop-up shops powered by Eurostop systems
Specialist school wear retailer helps parents buy early to avoid the August rush using Eurostop’s flexible retail systems to set up school shops Eurostop has announced that schoolwear supplier Simmonds & Son is using Eurostop retail systems to manage high seasonal demand through the summer months. Simmonds supplies to over 70 schools and has 19 ‘mini-shops’ located in schools across the UK, opening at select times during the school term and full-time during the summer holidays. Using Eurostop’s POS and stock control systems, including warehousing, integrated with Simmonds’ finance systems, offers Simmonds an extended offering with their ‘pop-up’ shops open additionally during term time evenings and weekends. Simmonds staff process orders in the schools, enabling parents to purchase from Easter onwards, ahead of the busy summer months, helping Simmonds to manage stock availability to meet demand.Using Eurostop systems, daily sales from the pop-up shops are uploaded to the head office system, enabling the management teams – both finance and merchandising to manage sales and stock with automatic replenishment and re-order accordingly. Karen Gore, General Manager, Simmonds said; “We work with over 70 school customers and there is no doubt that Eurostop is central to our business. Eurostop’s systems are used by everyone throughout the company – from staff working in our stores in schools to our merchandisers and warehouse team. “The flexibility that Eurostop offers enables us to run extra pop-up shops in schools during the summer period, helping us manage an incredibly busy time. It’s better for the parents and schools and enables us to ensure we can meet demand.” Eurostop’s retail solution is integrated with Simmonds’ financial system, Sage Accounts, enabling the company to keep a tight rein on sales and stock supplies, costs and profitability. In addition, integration with Simmonds’ newly updated website ensures that online orders, a growing part of the business, are fulfilled quickly with all stock centrally managed from Simmonds’ warehouse. Phillip Moylan, Sales Manager at Eurostop said; “Pop-up shops are a great way for retailers to extend their footprint and reach customers in a much more convenient way for the customer. Eurostop provides the flexibility that Simmonds requires to extend their retail presence, while still connecting to their existing business systems. For Simmonds it supports their business model of putting the customer first. Their schools also benefit from having the uniform stockist on-site as it encourages pupils to wear the set uniform, it provides an additional source of income and enables the school to provide an improved service to parents.”