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Three years ago, Point of Sale Systems (now Quintek Systems Ltd), one of the VARs (Value Added
Reseller) in partnership with PCPOS, provided ICL Teampos 5000 tills to Schuh's many UK
high-fashion shoe shops. Following Schuh's review of their hardware and software policy they
decided to continue with their existing Pro-PoS software. For the seven new stores opening in
2001, the immediate plan was to install new EpoS hardware, DigiPoS 2000, the flexible PCPOS
own retail solution brand, DigiPoS.
Schuh recognised the highly competitive nature of trading within the market place. Dedicated
in-house training and the unique use of systems and information technology have been important
factors resulting in an outstanding service record.
Their winning formula, defined by Managing Director, Sandy Alexander, includes not only a wide
range of exciting and innovative products, but also quality staff and service and a forward
thinking approach. Slick administration processes are fundamental to their success. For example,
providing what the markets wants rests upon testing small production runs in a few selected outlets.
A decision is then made whether to amend, delete or re-order the product in bulk. If the product
is clearly in demand, production runs could be increased to around 2000 Ð 3000 pairs. |
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Said Caroline Robertson, Schuh's IT Manager for EpoS, "In line with our young, high-fashion
image, "state-of-the-art" equipment is a must for "Schuh". It also needs to be unobtrusive,
space-saving and robust enough to stand up to high levels of traffic in what are extremely
busy shops." |
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It actually took Schuh 3-4 months to make the decision to move to the DigiPoS system for
their new stores. Other systems were evaluated by Quintek (then Point of Sales Systems Ltd)
and it was found that DigiPoS was the best fit. With 25,000 units currently installed across
their customer base, PCPOS is confident that its system, which comes with a 3 year warranty,
offers retailers low cost of ownership.
Caroline Robertson explains, "Growing at a fast rate, regularly opening up new branches,
hardware delivery needed to be efficient and reliable. PCPOS, through Point of Sale Systems,
was able to meet the tight lead times needed. The solution provided met all the requirements
and represented good value for money." |
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No disruption was experienced in the implementation, since delivery deadlines were met to
ensure that schedules were maintained, both for the fitting of new shops and the refurbishment
of existing shops.
Schuh had just 21 branches when they initially installed PRO-POS EPoS and Branch Management
Software and have now successfully increased in number to 35 branches. Of these, 10 stores
now have the DigiPoS units installed. The plan is for the DigiPoS systems to be used in all
new stores and to replace the ICL hardware in the older stores as and when they are refitted. |
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Administrative efficiencies have resulted from the entire system, with hardware and software
functioning together, including overnight download; credit card processing; being able to find
a particular product for customers; stock look-ups and managing petty cash. |
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The technology now in place will adapt to the needs of the future. Currently there are plans for smart cards and further use of scanners. It is multi-currency, ready to function as Euro compliant. |
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Schuh was established in 1981 when the first store was opened in the North Bridge Arcade in
Edinburgh. Schuh currently trades profitably from 27 stand alone units throughout Scotland,
England, Ireland and Wales. In 1999, Schuh won the prestigious Menswear/FHM Fashion Footwear
retailer of the year award, and 2001 was awarded the accolade "Best Multiple retailer of the
year" at the UK Footwear Awards.
The Schuh concept was, and still is, based upon a simple philosophy: "To provide aspirational
but accessible fashion footwear, sold in a unique and exciting retail environment at prices
which represent value for money and by friendly, knowledgeable staff." |
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The company was established in 1985 since when it has seen solid business growth,
establishing itself as a market leader providing retail solutions in the cruise,
ferry, leisure and stadia market sectors. In January 2002 the company merged with
Point of Sales Systems Ltd acquiring its assets and personnel, adding an established
High Street retail presence to the product portfolio.
Jeremy Rosen, managing director of Quintek, explains, "The PRO-POS Branch EPoS solution
was selected by Schuh to form an important part of their growth strategy. At each store
the system was quickly and efficiently implemented to process sales data and provide
detailed information on transactions including price management, discount and refund
analysis. In addition the system provides on-line credit card authorisation in less
than 5 seconds as well as on-line cheque authorisation. Information is transferred on
a daily basis to the head office and distribution centre to be imported into their
in-house stock system, enabling Schuh to quickly and efficiently replenish branches." |
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Established in 1994, with European HO in Basingstoke, Hampshire, PCPOS is now recognised as
one of the top three UK suppliers of retail technology systems. Current year revenues are
forecast to be in excess of $70,000,000. Servicing the requirements of the retail,
hospitality and leisure markets, PCPOS operates from over 10 countries worldwide, developing
close alliances with leading PoS manufacturers, including Epson, Javelin, Metrologic and Datamax.
Successful users of PCPOS systems include: B'Wise, Ted Baker, Internacional, Pets at Home,
Virgin Mobile (Australia), The Eden Project, Cafe Cadbury.
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