Gainsmore buying group offers independent retailers a new EPoS solution from J2 and SPEDI Norcon.

Feb. 16, 2012 - PRLog -- For those member retailers still using cash registers or without up-to-date EPoS, the group can now offer the latest point-of-sale technology in a Gainsmore-branded and endorsed package.

Gainsmore members can opt to purchase a solution comprising a J2 615 PC-based touchscreen till running software tailored to the convenience and news sectors from two specialist  providers; SPEDI Norcon for point-of-sale and back-office software, and J2 Retail Systems for hardware.  

Explains Gainsmore’s managing director, Patrick Walkington: “We’re dedicated to supporting independent retailers.  We negotiate on their behalf to get better supplier pricing on a wide range of goods for resale.  Our goal is to help our members compete successfully with the multiples.”

Walkington continues: “Competing with the multiples is a struggle but one where we believe our members can succeed if they use EPoS to understand their business and maximise its profitability. However well our members know their operations, nothing can compare with the power of EPoS to analyse product sales mix and purchasing trends, forecast requirements and automate re-ordering.”

Aware that whilst some members have EPoS a significant proportion has not yet made the move, Walkington has been evaluating the subject for some time but felt that the cost of ownership of many systems rendered them unattractive investments.  “Then I came across J2, which was able to demonstrate that its overall cost of hardware ownership, across purchase and maintenance, is much lower.  J2 partners with SPEDI Norcon who has EPoS software for our sector.  The whole package is proven and reliable, so the solution came together.”

Gainsmore will be marketing the new solution to its members, stressing the business improvements to be gained and money to be saved.  “Manufacturers quote savings of 2% - 3% of turnover from using EPoS.  If all our members were to make the move, they could achieve £1million of savings in the first year!”

“Improved margins, reduced bank charges, reduced administration and better credit terms can all come from knowing your business better,” enthuses Walkington.  “There are so many benefits from using a modern system and I’m confident EPoS will increase our members’ profitability.  You can’t improve sales unless you know what sales are. The ability to uplift trading will pay for the system in its first year.”

In addition to being competitively priced and designed with the smaller independent retailer in mind, the Gainsmore package will be installed and maintained by SPEDI Norcon.  “It’s all very convenient for the retailer.”

Adds Wayne Graves, Sales Director of SPEDI Norcon:  “We’re very pleased to have been selected by Gainsmore. This new relationship strengthens our position in the community and convenience sector where we’re already well established.  J2 and Norcon are partnering with the National Federation of Retail Newsagents to provide their members with EPoS, and we have other significant relationships in the sector, not to mention electronic links with Smiths and Menzies.”


J2 RETAIL SYSTEMS          www.j2retailsystems.com
J2 Retail Systems is a specialist manufacturer of PC-based touchscreens, LCD touchscreen monitors and point-of-sale hardware to the retail, hospitality and leisure industries.  With 100,000 units+ installed worldwide, its clients include thousands of leading-brand retailers, hospitality businesses and leisure operators.

J2 products represent innovation, reliable performance and one of the lowest costs of EPoS ownership achievable today.  The company controls its own design and manufacture and constantly looks for ways to improve the cost and quality of its user experience.  J2’s history has been one of pioneering and market ‘firsts’.  It recently launched the first EPoS to contain Solid State storage drives as standard, and is now offering clients the widest choice of leading-edge touchscreen technologies available.

SPEDI NORCON         www.std-retail.com & www.nclimited.co.uk
SPEDI Norcon is a newly-formed merger between two specialist EPoS solutions providers in the convenience and news retailing sectors, Norcon Computers Limited and SPEDI. Thousands of convenience stores and retail newsagents around the UK rely on EPoS systems and software developed by Norcon, the longest- established supplier in this sector.  Norcon helps its 1,800 customers manage their tills, stock and newspaper deliveries more efficiently.

SPEDI can also boast decades of experience in the convenience sector, with its solutions used in community stores, small supermarkets, CTNs, off-licences and chemists. SPEDI customers include Londis, Costcutter, Lloyds Chemists, and Savacentre.  The company has also helped to develop communications between stores and their suppliers such as Londis, NISA, and Palmer and Harvey.

GAINSMORE LIMITED         www.gainsmore.co.uk
Gainsmore.co.uk is the only internet-based, fully-interactive buying group that allows independent retailers full access and control over their buying group trading account. By offering great discounts and buying group benefits whilst harnessing the power of the internet, Gainsmore enables its members to transact at least a part of their business in a more convenient way, using the latest secure technology to save time and effort.  

Gainsmore members include Newsagents, Post Offices, Service Stations, Convenience Stores, Grocers, Greetings Card Shops and Gift Shops.  Half are located in south Wales, with the balance being largely in south-east England and others in Scotland.

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