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

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.”