At a glance
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Improved Customer Flow and Parking AvailabilitySCOs not only reduce queues inside the store but also help free up parking spaces faster.
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Adapting to Changing Consumer PreferencesSCOs meet the growing demand for fast, convenient, and contactless shopping experiences.
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Reduced Staffing PressuresThe introduction of SCOs allowed the stores to reduce the reliance on traditional tills, freeing up staff to focus on other essential tasks.
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EDGEPoS Solutions used
ALAN GILLILAND
Store Manager, Creightons, Finaghy
“Our card-only SCOs have made our daily operations much more streamlined, pressures of staffing have been decreased and are a thing of the past”.
PAULINE ELLIOT
Store Manager, Creightons, Blacks Road
“Our card-only SCOs have made our daily operations much more streamlined, pressures of staffing have been decreased and are a thing of the past”.
Creightons Success with Card-Only Self-Checkouts at Blacks Road and Finaghy Stores
Creightons, a long-established family business, has been a cornerstone of the local community for decades. With several stores across Northern Ireland, Creighton’s has consistently remained at the cutting edge of retail by embracing technological advancements. Notably, the introduction of card-only Self-Checkout (SCO) systems has been transformative for their operations. This initiative was initially inspired by the success of SCOs at Creightons Balmoral store, where it was observed that customers predominantly favoured card payments over cash. Accordingly, card-only SCOs were introduced at their Blacks Road and Finaghy stores, where they have been very successful.
Located near several schools, Creightons Blacks Road Store is a thriving outlet. Store Manager Pauline Elliot, who has been with Creightons for 29 years and Store Manager for 7, attests to the community-driven environment, noting that the store frequently supports local charities. The store’s customer base is diverse, ranging from students to regular locals, making it vital for the store to provide a seamless shopping experience.
Motivation for Implementing SCOs
“With increasing footfall and the difficulty of manning four traditional tills, the decision to introduce SCOs was a strategic move aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing customer experience. The store transitioned to five tills with two standalone tills and three card-only SCOs located in a prominent, eye-catching area.
Overcoming Pre-Implementation Challenges
“The implementation of EDGEPoS SCOs. allowed staff to be more effectively deployed throughout the store. The new system also reduced queues significantly during busy periods, particularly in the mornings, allowing for a smoother customer flow”.
Transition Experience
“The shift from Traditional tills to SCOs was a smooth process, thanks in large part to the support provided by Henderson Technology installation and training team, the company behind the EDGEPoS system. The installation was efficient, and the staff quickly adapted to the new system”.
Customer Response and Demographics
“The response to the SCOs has been overwhelmingly positive, with approximately 30% of customers opting to use them. The technology has been well-received across various demographics, though younger customers, particularly school students, have been quick to embrace it”.
Creightons Finaghy store, situated on the main route between Lisburn and Belfast, has been serving customers since 1936. As a family-run business, the store underwent a major refurbishment seven years ago and installed card-only SCOs in December 2023. Store Manager Alan Gilliland, has been with Creighton’s for 18 years and Manager at Finaghy for 7 years. The store caters to a diverse customer base, which has embraced the new technology.
Motivation for Implementing SCOs
Store Manager Alan Gilliland cited cost savings, efficiency improvements, and the potential for reducing staffing challenges as key motivations for introducing SCOs. After seeing success at their Balmoral store, the decision was made to roll out SCOs across other locations, including Finaghy.
Overcoming Pre-Implementation Challenges
The store faced ongoing staffing challenges, particularly during busy periods. By introducing SCOs, they were able to alleviate some of the pressure during peak times. The presence of SCOs, combined with staff support, ensured a more streamlined experience for customers.
Transition Experience
“The transition to SCOs at the Finaghy store was seamless.
The system has proven to be stable, with minimal technical
issues, allowing for smooth day-to-day operations”.
Customer Response and Demographics
“Customer feedback at the Finaghy store has been overwhelmingly positive. Through the support given by Henderson Technology’s Training Team and our dedication to supervising the SCOs, we were quickly able to assist those customers who were slightly apprehensive so that the felt that they could comfortably and confidently use the SCOs. Approximately 20% of transactions are now conducted through the SCOs, with a wide demographic embracing the technology, including busy professionals looking for a quick checkout experience”.
Impact on operations and Staffing
“The SCOs have led to significant staffing efficiencies, with the store saving at least one staff member per shift. The technology has also reduced queues, improved parking availability, and has allowed the store to operate more efficiently with fewer manned tills”.
Conclusion
The implementation of card-only SCOs at Creightons Blacks Road and Finaghy stores has been a resounding success. Both stores has been a resounding success. Both stores have benefitted from streamlined operations, reduced staffing pressures, and improved customer
satisfaction. The SCOs have met the demands of a diverse customer base, and the technology has contributed to sales growth. For retailers facing similar challenges, the Creighton’s case provides a compelling argument for the adoption of card-only SCOs, highlighting their potential to enhance both operational efficiency and customer experience.
Awards & Recognition
Henderson Technology works hard to provide our Retailers with the most innovative features and solutions. We are proud to be recognised by industry leading organisations for EDGEPoS EPOS Software.
