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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.”
Ireland’s leading department store chain, Shaws, continues to invest in Eurostop to optimise stock management across stores
Eurostop system provides complete visibility and accurate stock management for nearly 1million SKUs across 17 stores and warehouse Shaws, Ireland’s leading department store chain, continues its investment in a fully integrated head office stock management and EPOS solution from Eurostop to support its stores and warehouse. Shaws has installed e-pos touch on tills in all of its 17 department stores and uses e-rmis at head office. With over half a million customers visiting its stores every month, Shaws selected Eurostop’s connected system for its ability to centrally track and manage all stock in its stores seamlessly from purchasing through to customer sales. Shaws’ stores sell a variety of high quality clothing, footwear, beauty and home products – in total nearly 1m different SKUs to track and manage. Using Eurostop systems, Shaws manages the lifecycle of all stock from goods-in, branch transfers, sales and stock takes. The Eurostop system handles ‘multi-dimensional’ stock details, such as colour and size breakdowns per product, as well as the SKUs from different brand suppliers. Scanners are used to check all stock is checked into the warehouse, as well as to create picking lists, ensuring the right stock is despatched to stores. Eamonn Doyle, Finance Director at Shaws, said; “These are challenging times for retailers, particularly with the increase in online shopping. With Eurostop’s systems we have streamlined and centralised administration of our stock and sales. We now have the information that helps us manage our stock 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.” Accurate, up to the minute sales data populates reports for the finance manager and merchandising teams, helping them to assess popular lines, non-sellers and non-profitable products. Using Eurostop’s e-pos, Shaws is able to manage split payments (cash and credit card) at the tillpoint. It plans significant additional development in the next two years, which will enable new, complex promotions to be calculated at the till. Deborah Loh, Marketing Manager at Eurostop said; “With the demise of many high street stores and with tight profit margins, retailers are increasingly investing in systems to improve visibility of stock and sales. Shaws has built its business on providing customers with a wide variety of stock in its stores and concessions. Its investment in Eurostop connected retail systems will ensure that it has the latest sales data across its entire estate to make informed business decisions to remain profitable and maintain its place in the high street.” Read the Case Study Shaws Department Stores invest in Eurostop to optimise stock management across stores
Vintage Clothing company Rokit selects Eurostop’s retail solution
Unique vintage clothing retailer chooses Eurostop systems to ensure seamless stock management between central warehouse, London stores and website. Eurostop has announced that Rokit Vintage clothing has chosen Eurostop e-rmis software for their head office stock management and e-manager and e-pos touch software for the retail shops. Rokit has a long established reputation for providing unique vintage clothing with shops in Covent Garden, Camden and Brick Lane. Rokit has invested in Eurostop’s retail systems to support its fast turnaround of bespoke ‘repurposed’ branded designer items to the four London stores from its warehouse. Rokit’s unrivalled selection of vintage items caters for Thirties through to 90’s fashion and every street style and catwalk trend in between. Using Eurostop’s e-rmis head office solution connected to e-pos touch in stores, the team at Rokit will be able to respond to the live sales and stocks to track and manage the lifecycle of all items from selection and merchandising through to sale. Rokit selected Eurostop systems to replace its existing retail hardware and software systems – the growth of the retailer’s business has resulted in over 1million SKUs, which its incumbent systems could no longer manage. Eurostop is also providing additional bespoke development to the warehouse software provided to support the retailer’s unique business model. Rokit’s management team of vintage experts are all based under one roof in London. In the warehouse hundreds of individual one of a kind pieces are hand selected, prepared and despatched daily to its four London stores and added to the website. The high functionality of the software and hardware provided by Eurostop and level of support and services were also important factors in the selection, as the Rokit stores are open for long periods, seven days a week. Phillip Moylan, Sales Manager at Eurostop said; “Like many successful independent retailers, Rokit’s business operations require flexible, connected retail systems to enable them to manage the fast paced demand in today’s retail market. The management team have extensive retail knowledge but the growth of the business presented the challenge of tracking sales and stock for over a million items. We are assisting the Rokit team with extensive management reporting, processes and future proofed software”.
Fowlers of Bristol, the landmark motorcycle dealership, select retail solutions from Eurostop
One-stop-shop for motorcycles, equipment and clothing updates retail systems and implements innovative instore technology Sam Fowler, Web Store Manager at Fowlers, commented: “What really makes Eurostop stand out from their competitors is their high functionality, stock management capabilities and extensive reporting system; all of which are essential to aid our motorcycle retail business”. Eurostop has been selected by the long-established motorcycle emporium, Fowlers of Bristol, to enhance its retail management systems. The new Motorcycle EPOS solution supplied by Eurostop will provide accurate management of its comprehensive range of stock, customer-facing till points, and integrate with Fowlers’ website, accounting packages and warehouse. Eurostop will also be supplying its MyShoppr® consumer instore app, which merges digital with the instore shopping experience. Fowlers selected Eurostop’s EPOS for its connected and innovative approach to instore technology, the ability to handle millions of SKUs, with live stock updates across all channels, its advanced but quick reporting, and integration capabilities. In addition, Eurostop’s POS system enables the best possible customer service at till point, with e-pos touch providing an intuitive touch-screen solution that requires minimal training for staff. The twice winner of the ‘Best Multi-Franchise Motocycle Dealer in South West England’, offers a huge range for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts. This includes motorcycle and scooter showrooms stocking up to 500 motorbikes at a time and over 1000 in the warehouse. The clothing and accessories section covers their own brands, as well as other premium and heritage brands. Aiming to keep one of everything in each colourway, often stocking the full range of popular brands, as well as 250 used bikes means that an accurate stock system is essential. Online and telephone orders also need to be fulfilled from the high tech warehouse, which contains several hundred thousands of parts, held mainly in their semi-automated picking systems. Fowlers has a significant online presence, which will be enhanced in the brick and mortar store by Eurostop’s MyShoppr® app, which provides a virtual, on-demand personal store assistant. Customers will be able to access the app using their smartphones, check stock availability and get detailed product information by scanning product barcodes. The customer has the choice to purchase online and arrange delivery or complete the purchase in store, thus providing the ultimate in omnichannel customer experience. Jude Cruickshank, Business Development Manager at Eurostop said; “We are delighted to be working with such a well known motorcycle dealership such as Fowlers of Bristol. With their great product range and amazing technical expertise, we believe that our retail systems and in store tech will really help to enhance their customer experience.” About Fowlers of Bristol Fowlers is one of Europe’s largest motorcycle retailers. Started in 1926 by Alice and Frank Fowler, and joined by son Harry in 1927, it remains a family-owned business to this day. Fowlers of Bristol includes several spectacular showrooms, a high-tech warehouse, Harry’s Café, Off Road Centre and Servicing and MOT services. Fowlers is dedicated to serving its customers a wide range of products at guaranteed value for money. Their aim is to promote the pleasure and fun of motorcycling, based on over nine decades of experience. Fowlers provides a huge choice of motorcycle and scooter marques together with many leading brands of clothing, helmets, accessories and parts.
Interview with Mike Thornwaite, MD of Leading Labels
We chatted with Mike Thornthwaite, MD of Leading Labels. Leading Labels is a multi-branded clothing retailer with 25 years’ experience selling in out of town outlets across the UK and Ireland. With 18 well-established stores, it provides a range of quality branded clothing including; Weird Fish, Farah, Meyer, Ben Sherman, Wrangler, Lazy Jacks, Nomads, Tigi and Roman Original. Its large modern stores are located in shopping outlets, garden centres, department stores and other prime locations. We discuss how Mike came to join Leading Labels, his views of fashion and retail, and what the future holds Q. How long have you held your current job? Mike: I qualified as a management accountant and knew that I wanted to work in a commercial environment. I worked for a number of years in ATS in their tyre operations, which, being a motor fan, I loved. However, a company reorganisation and relocation stimulated me to look for a change. The retail market has always interested me because of its changing nature – and Leading Labels attracted me as a growing concern. I joined in 2002, becoming Financial Director in 2006, and haven’t look back – I am now involved in the business across all operations and enjoy every aspect. Q. What attracted you to a career in retail? Mike: I think in any career you have to love what you do and have a genuine interest in your product. My interest in retail brands started at ATS – and has continued to grow with Leading Labels and all of our fashion brands. I love the changing dynamics of the retail industry, it doesn’t stand still and you have to keep one step ahead in the business. Q. How do you see the future of retail? Mike: There has definitely been a change in retail over the last few years. It’s now all about the customer experience, which means retailers are having to do things differently. It is no longer just opening the doors to a regimented box with standard fixtures and fittings and the products on display. Today it is all about display and customer service – theatre and experience are demanded and more engagement. The merchandising has to be clever and tell a story, enticing customers in to browse – and hopefully buy. For us at Leading Labels it means refurbishing, refitting and thinking about events in store, such as fashion shows and styling ideas. Online definitely has its place, but I think customers are starting to go back into store to ‘try and buy’ – to feel the materials and try sizes. This is certainly true for our market, maybe not so for tech items where you can compare features online and then buy at the lowest price. Q. How can technology help? Mike: I think technology can help retailers, but you have to pick the right technology for the job, to make sure it makes a difference. I am not a driver of new developments for tech’s sake, but if I can see benefits then I think it can add value to a business. For example, I can see how Eurostop’s MyShoppr can really benefit a store and its customers and is definitely something we might look at. We are always mindful of the demographic of our customers when we change anything, to make sure it is right for them. What piece of tech couldn’t you live without? Mike: Definitely my iPhone. It’s great, I can go out of the office and still function businesswise, so I can keep an eye on things. Skype and conference calls are also really useful to keep connected. However, like all of us, I have to make sure I balance with when I do want to be offline, like on holiday.
The Retail Interviews
We carried out a series of retail interviews with our customers, giving insight into the people powering the brands on the retail highstreet. Find out how these people started in retail, how they see the future of retail and technology that they just can’t live without. Chris Tiso CEO of Tiso Group Tiso is Scotland’s Leading Outdoor Clothing & Equipment Retailer, founded in 1962 by proficient mountaineer Graham Tiso, with his wife Maude in Edinburgh. In 2014 JD Sports invested in Tiso Group and the company has since grown to become a household name. Read the Eurostop Chris Tiso interview. Euan Pringle Owner of Otterburn Mill Situated in Northumberland countryside, the 18th century mill is a ‘destination’ retail outlet, selling high quality textiles and country woollen clothing. It also prides itself on providing a unique customer experience, boasting many original features, archive material, tools and machinery, on show to the public. Read the Eurostop Euan Pringle interview. Tom Jeffrey Head of Ecommerce Jules B has been awarded Drapers Magazine coveted title ‘Best Independent Fashion Store’ an unprecedented three times, with Julian and Rhonda also being honoured with the Drapers Independents ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for services to the industry. Tom heads up the online offering dressing stylish men and women. Read the Eurostop Tom Jeffrey Interview. Mike Thornwaite Managing Director Leading Labels is a multi-branded clothing retailer with 25 years’ experience selling in out of town outlets across the UK and Ireland. Its 18 well-established, large, modern stores are located in shopping outlets, garden centres, department stores and other prime locations.Read the Eurostop Mike Thornwaite Interview.
Interview with Euan Pringle, owner of Otterburn Mill
We chatted with Euan Pringle, owner of Otterburn Mill. Situated in Northumberland countryside, the 18th century mill is a ‘destination’ retail outlet, selling high quality textiles and country woollen clothing. It also prides itself on providing a unique customer experience, boasting many original features, archive material, tools and machinery, on show to the public. We discuss how Euan came to the Mill, his views of fashion and retail, and what the future holds. Q. How long have you held your current job? Euan: I have always worked in textiles. In the 1980s, as MD of the family textile operation with modern retail and manufacturing, I travelled the world to promote the business, and in the 1990s, we sold the business on. Sadly the brand suffered when the textile industry took a downturn a few years later. In 1995 I found the derelict Otterburn Mill building located on a windy moor on the tourist route between Scotland and England. I redeveloped the site to what it is today – and I am still in the driving seat over twenty years later. Q. What attracted you to a career in retail? Euan: I have always loved the textile retail business and loved being in the working mill from my early working years. I enjoy getting the seasons’ colours ahead of time, buying to meet the trends months ahead and finding new suppliers to fil the gaps when suppliers go off-piste. Q. How do you see the future of retail? Euan: I think the trends in retail are starting to change and things definitely have a more positive outlook. In the last 10 years, the trend was for the big investment companies to buy up the big chains, slash prices and, I think, caused a lot of damage to the retail sector. Now we are seeing these big chains fall by the wayside as the future of the large stores has gone, which leaves space for more interesting themed retail places. …there is always a place for retailers that can provide a great customer experience and product We have seen the demise of the high street, with property companies not investing in the high street buildings, this, plus high government taxes, have squeezed out the smaller retailers. However, I think there is always a place for retailers that can provide a great customer experience and product and I am optimistic we will see a change in the next six months to a year, once the casualties of the big discounters have gone. The retail market is turning the corner and I think the outlook is positive over the next 2- 3 years. Q. How can technology help? Euan: I think there is a lot of tech at the moment, and some of it is helpful and some of it is not. At the end of the day, your shop floor staff can really make the sale – they can help customers find the missing part of the jigsaw – so technology needs to enable your staff. Brands are starting to realise that stores are the key to brand loyalty, not just selling online. At the end of the day people want to go out and have fun – and enjoy the experience of shopping. Shopping centres are big and glitzy, but they need to refresh the décor and themes to keep customers interested. At the same time, I think if you aren’t using tech as a retailer then you will suffer. What piece of tech couldn’t you live without? Euan: Definitely my iPhone. It’s my lifeline, particularly recently when our email service was down. I do everything on it – I know how to use it and certainly won’t be looking to change!
George Fisher selects Eurostop’s retail solution for sales and in-store cafe
Destination outdoor clothing and equipment store in Lake District, part of Tiso Group, chooses Eurostop retail systems to enhance instore customer experience Eurostop has announced that George Fisher, the iconic outdoor clothing and equipment store in Keswick, Lake District, has selected Eurostop’s POS system for its in-store retail operations. The store, part of the Tiso Group, is using Eurostop’s connected retail solution to manage stock and sales for all clothing, footwear and equipment, as well as at tillpoints. Eurostop’s new Café Mode POS will enable customers to pay for store items, food and drinks at the same time in its top floor café, famous for its far-reaching views. With Eurostop’s solution, George Fisher’s e-commerce, buying and merchandising and live stock and sales reports systems will be connected with the store’s parent company, Tiso Group, which includes Blues Ski.com and Alpine Bikes. The investment will enable George Fisher to provide customers with a wider choice of stock, offer telephone and mail order options and run its own customer promotions and loyalty programmes. George Fisher is known for its strong customer focus, running instore events with guest speakers, film nights and sports clinics for its wide community of outdoor enthusiasts, which have created a loyal and longstanding customer base. The Tiso Group will operate one central stock system, with both unique and shared products on a single platform and one customer database. Directors across the Group will have access to the latest stock and sales using Eurostop’s connected systems, giving complete visibility of the business. Roy Meunier, Program Delivery Manager at Eurostop said; “George Fisher is an iconic destination store for outdoor enthusiasts. It has a longstanding reputation for providing exceptional customer service with its knowledgeable staff and boot fitting and equipment hire. Along with its café and wide range of instore events, it is one of the pioneers of providing a standout customer experience. “The investment in Eurostop will improve the customer journey through all of the Tiso Group’s sales channels, while ensuring that George Fisher is able to retain its own unique relationship with customers. The store will be able to provide customers with an even better service – offering more choice of stock and ways to buy. With Eurostop Café Mode POS the café, already a popular place to visit, will become even more of a hub for customers to enjoy and return to.”
Eurostop partners Visualsoft for Omnichannel Retail Solution
Heard about Visualsoft’s Shared Success solution? Eurostop are pleased to announce that we are partnering with award-winning ecommerce and marketing specialists Visualsoft. Connected retail systems are vital to provide the customer experience that consumers today expect and want. By providing a fully connected solution between Eurostop Retail Systems and Visualsoft’s ecommerce platform, we can offer our retailers a streamlined solution that means that they can manage all of their selling channels and customer loyalty with ease. At Visualsoft, they like to do things differently. They are so confident that a partnership with you, the retailer, will deliver results for your retail business, that they’ve created a commission-based solution – Shared Success. We spoke to Antony Hoyland, Enterprise Sales Director from Visualsoft about their Shared Success solution, and what it makes it different. “With Shared Success we base our fee on a small percentage of your online sales, and in return, we provide you with a range of platform and performance-based marketing services.” “Our specialists work as an extension of your team and are therefore aligned to each of your goals. We are rewarded based on your actual sales and the revenue we generate for your business, meaning that the money you spend on driving your business forward with Visualsoft, is in line with real-time performance.” “The ethos of Shared Success is simple: as you grow, so do we.” And what do the customers say? Mark Buxton, Daniel Footwear commented “We have found Visualsoft to be a very proactive platform and marketing agency, they have helped us consistently grow online every year that we have partnered with them and I cannot recommend them enough.” Through Shared Success, we have already helped deliver growth to retailers such as: Daniel Footwear Jules B Gaynor Sports Otterburn Mill Robert Goddard If you want to find out more, ask to speak to one of our retail experts.