January 2008

A warm welcome for handheld scanners. The first site to trial the new look handheld stock taking devices are over the moon. The store supervisor used to use a competitors product for stock taking previously and felt they did not add that much value because the download to the device and upload to the stock system was often more trouble than it was worth. The innovative Intelligent Retail solution is different as it makes use of the latest wireless technology. It is real-time and wireless, meaning no uploads, no downloads, just turn it on and start scanning with all stock movements being updated on the stock tree immediately (in real-time). This also makes the device extremely easy to use. This again was sparking great enthusiasm by the staff. The devices can also be used for goods-in and goods-out which will help this store hugely when taking in new stock. No more dragging the stock around to the counter a bit at a time for checking-in when the store is quiet… just walk into the store room and start beeping! The initial signs are that this new innovation will be a great help to our retailers.

December 2007

December is hot for our multichannel retailers. With such amazing growth in the internet continuing, the retailers who are successfully using multichannel technology are really winning this year. Growth in Christmas internet shopping is increasing in pace and particularly in the Fashion, Gift and Nursery sectors. Independent retailers using the Intelligent Retail multichannel tills are reaping the rewards of selling across multiple channels resulting in successful Christmas trading.

Nov 2007

Intelligent Retail’s innovative Multichannel Electronic Point of Sales (EPOS) system has won the Business Magazine ‘Innovation Award’ presented by Alastair Campbell. The award recognises entrepreneurial and forward-thinking businesses which succeed through driving change. Intelligent Retail has created an innovative new till EPoS system for retailers which allows them to sell in their shop, sell online, sell by phone, sell on eBay all in a few clicks from their till. David Mackley MD said; "We are thrilled to win this award, it means so much to everyone at the company.  The innovation in the company comes from getting the right mix of bright people and a culture where we are driven to help our customers become more profitable using simple technology. We have so many more exciting ideas which we hope will be launched over the next couple of years." Alastair Campbell, formerly Tony Blair's right-hand man, and the director of communications and strategy for 10 Downing Street, presented the award.

Sept 2007

We are very pleased to announce Saswa, an independent retailer in Cardiff and one of our customers has been shortlisted for the annual Retail Solutions awards for their application of Intelligent Retail's Connect solution. The entrepreneurial owners have taken a single store into a successful multichannel retail business selling in the shop, online and on eBay without any overheads in staff costs. David Mackley MD said; "This is important because the judges selection is based on the impact Connect has made to the Saswa business. Growing revenues without increasing their cost base".

July 2007

David Mackley, MD Intelligent Retail delivers a popular seminar to independent fashion retailers at MODA. The audience heard about how and where the online purchasing process differs to that in a shop and how there are many simple ways to tune a website to effectively address the buying needs of customers though the different stages. From first impressions to making payment and receiving the product. For more information on the seminar contact Intelligent Retail on 0845 6800126.

June 2007

Intelligent Retail's suite of Connect products are all now Vista compliant. This now means users can take full advantage of Vista's smooth user interface and additional security. Users are able to select all Vista or a mix of Windows XP and Vista computers on the same system.

May 2007

2007 is the year of Multi Channel. James Roper, Chief Executive of IMRG the industry body for e-tailing said that 2007 is the year when retailers must grasp the concept of integrated multi-channel retailing.  To become truly multi-channel, retailers need to ensure they are fully integrating all shopping channels together rather than treating them as separate entities. For example, by making information available across shop and online channels as one retail business makes the management sustainable and the shopping experience for customers so much better. Retailers need to remember that consumers expect retail outlets to have an online presence, and with IMRG predicting a further 40% rise in internet shopping this year to £42 billion, retailers who don't sell online  can be missing a great  opportunity. Intelligent Retail  is the pioneer of fully integrated multichannel systems for small independent retailers.

April 2007

Intelligent Retail recruitment drive continues with the latest addition to the team being an expert web designer. David Mackley, MD said; "We are so excited to have Michael on board with us full time. Great web designers are hard to find and Michael is clearly a real talent." Intelligent Retail have also appointed a new field sales executive in the South West who brings a wealth of retail and eCommerce experience to the business. There are currently three more vacancies in Sales, Technical and Training reflecting the continuing growth of the company.

March 2007

Intelligent Retail have selected Commidea as their partner for the new integrated Chip and Pin solution. These integrated terminals are now available with Connect for faster, more accurate and reliable transactions. Nick Sonnex of Commidea said; "Commidea Chip and Pin with Intelligent Retail is much faster than standard bank terminals. The communication works via broadband for integrated card processing and is a actually cheaper than a bank terminal with fewer functional requirements." Nick also explained that bank rates would not increase if a company swapped to this solution. Commidea were selected because they are the leading provider of Chip and Pin services in retail. This secure, fully approved and high performance system is now available on all Connect platforms.

February 2007

David Mackley MD of Intelligent Retail and Jackie Cook fashion industry buying guru present seminar on "How independent retailers make more profit from selling online." The popular seminar covered topics from how to improve your Google rankings to how to get the most out of the online customer buying process.

Christmas trading update. Whilst it has been yet another tough Christmas on the high street, the Internet continues its soaring growth. Online sales during the festive period rocketed to over £7.5 billion, a growth of 50%. James Roper, CEO at online analyst IMRG commented: “These figures show how internet shopping is hugely attractive for consumers, especially at Christmas. Continued growth of this magnitude is breathtaking. In 2000, the first year in which the IMRG collected hard online sales data, Christmas trading was worth well under half a billion pounds, and we thought that was huge. Now we can see that the e-retail market is just getting into its stride, with large potential for long-term growth.” Retailers have never felt the impact of the digital era as strongly as this Christmas, particularly those maintaining a single sales channel. We are witnessing the biggest change in retail ever as consumers move to new digital shopping channels. For independent retailers this presents a major threat, but equally a great opportunity for those willing to adapt.

David Mackley, MD Intelligent Retail, said: “The Internet is not going to go away, and some independents have grasped the nettle and introduced an online channel. Some have been highly successful, however many have been burned by using hard to manage systems.

So, what is the answer for independents? Well, there is a new wave of specialist systems for independents. Whilst EPOS stock systems have been around for 25 years there is an exciting new technology available, the multichannel retail system. These allow small retailers to maintain a single stock system but sell through multiple channels in a simple way.
David comments: “The Intelligent Retail Connect system is at the forefront of these and allows retailers to drop any product from their shop to their website, eBay or sell mail order whilst managing all stock levels centrally.
The central system also brings customers together in a single database, so marketing is easy. Reports on top and bottom sellers are run from a single source, which together with other measures allow the retailer to view their most important figures to make better decisions. A multichannel solution makes running a shop and website manageable and puts the retailer back in control.”

Intelligent Retail move to new premises. These new offices will be the operations hub of the business with project management, support services and a tailored training facilities for customers.

Intelligent Retail have won the award for the Thames Valley SEEDA Enterprise Showcase. This award is presented six of the UK's most pioneering fast growth businesses. Intelligent Retail have shown outstanding innovation and major growth potential. In the Thames Valley there were more than 50 companies who made it through to the presentation stage where a panel of judges presided over each business. "This region is alive with outstanding new businesses and we are proud to have been selected by SEEDA as the winner for establishing a high growth and robust business" commented David Mackley, Managing Director. David will be presenting at the Showcase on 22nd February, an event Chaired by BBC Radio 4 Business presenter, Peter Day with keynote speech by Luke Johnson, entrepreneur and Chairman of Channel 4.

"EPoS innovation of the year 2006!", another successful awards night for Intelligent Retail as the innovative retail till system was highly commended by Retail Systems. The judges awarded it to Giftware Connect because it demonstrated significant improvements to an independent retailer's business, as well as the degree of innovation present in the IT solution. 
Neil Mackley, Product Director said; "We are over the moon to have won this award as it reflects the huge investment we have put into the product ensuring every innovation is fundamentally helpful to an independent retailer".

David Mackley presents a series of three seminars at the NEC International Baby and Child Fair. These highly popular seminars titled 'How to take on the internet and win' discuss how independent retailers can use the internet to increase profit in a sustainable way, whilst delivering very high levels of customer satisfaction. Contact Intelligent Retail for further information.

Another record breaking online Christmas is expected this year. 52 per cent of UK adults shopped online in 2005 according to the Association for Payment Clearing Services (APACS). The number of online purchases by internet shoppers rose significantly from 13.6 in 2004 to 18.5 last year. With online retail sales growing 45 per cent year-on-year for the past six months (Source: IMRG) there is every indication we are in for another record breaking Christmas for online shopping.

Mixed successes to date. Whilst some have been very successful, many independent retailers who made initial moves to access a share of this market a few years ago have found it tough going. Common problems are the time required to keep a website up to date as well as managing stock across multiple channels. Unless retailers can find a way to combine business processes, running a website is like running an additional business.

A new phase for independent retailers. However there are new technologies available now like Connect, nominated ?Most Innovative In-Store Technology' by European Retail Solutions Awards, which allows retailers to run a multi-channel business from a single till. Retailers can manage their websites, sell mail order and send items to eBay all from a till which also manages their stock. This amazing retail system cuts down on many of the overheads helping reduce costs whilst introducing new revenue streams. Because these multiple channels are run from a single stock source, all information including product names, prices, pictures and stock quantities are shared, which makes running a website sustainable. So for independent retailers wanting a share in this year's expected bumper online Christmas, this new breed of technology can offer a sustainable solution.

Jackie Cook, JCR Industry-buying consultant and David Mackley MD at Intelligent Retail present 'How to increase your sales' seminar at Premier Kids at the NEC in July. These popular seminars covered how to access multiple channels including eCommerce to add to your shop sales. Topics included taking online payments, how to identify a web designer from a web developer and the importance of linking the website into the shop's stock system.

Read regular updates on how technology can improve independent retail businesses. David Mackley's articles for Gift Focus magazine are now published on their website as well as in the magazine. Whether you have a single shop or multiple store these articles provide a positive look at how technology can help in many ways from accessing new channels to reducing costs. Click here for more.

Intelligent Retail expand sales coverage and operations management with new recruits. John Ennals joins us in the South West, John Goundry looks after Northern England and Scotland. On the technical side, Paul Roberts has joined to look after our technical services department.

Intelligent Retail have been shortlisted for the 'Most Innovate In-Store Technology' award at the prestigious European Retail Solutions Awards in June. "With heavyweights such as Tesco and Rank Group for company, we are over the moon that our technology has been recognised for the way it has helped an independent retailer" said David Mackley, Managing Director.

"What is particularly pleasing is that these awards don't just recognise technology for technology 's sake, they look at real examples of how the technology can make a fundamental improvement to a retail business, this has always been our fundamental operating principle."

"As the other nominees are predominantly major chains, it is wonderful to see a single independent shop up there, particularly as this will hopefully offer some inspiration to similar shops at a time when they are under so much pressure."

Research confirms Intelligent Retail get it right on future retail architecture. Reports from analyst Evan Data Corp. show that the Firebird open-source database is rapidly gaining in popularity in the enterprise sector as it is proven to be ultra fast and very robust.

" Selecting the IT architecture of the future is at best an educated guess, but I am very pleased that the research backs our decision to go with an open-source database, " said David Mackley Managing Director, Intelligent Retail. " We consider the use of local databases at each till point being the only robust way to implement a retail system, and open-source databases make this best practice affordable for all retailers ".

The research from Evans showed Firebird, an open-source relational database known for sizzling transaction performance, is surging in popularity in the enterprise and heralds the growing acceptance of open-source databases. Firebird is the most popular database for use in "edge" databases, in other words, those that are embedded in systems or in devices, such as a point-of-sale system in a retail outlet. Firebird also proved highly popular for enterprise applications, with 19.8 percent preferring it, beating Oracle 19.6 with percent.

"In retail environments companies need to be able to put databases out there that are close to sources of this data" he said. "When you have a robust database that has liberal licensing terms [such as Firebird], you don't have to pay to replicate and install it on servers where you need it, and it's a very appealing proposition" said Joe McKendrick, an analyst for Evans.

McKendrick said that the survey overall showed open-source databases as having made deep inroads into the enterprise since Evans first started surveying their use, about three years ago. At that time, about 12 percent of respondents were tinkering with open-source databases, a percentage that's up to 60 percent now.

Another survey revealed that security benefits of open-source. Database security is an important facet of database development, Evans Data found that proprietary database servers are almost twice as likely to have suffered a security breach in the last year compared to open source database servers. The most likely security breach for a proprietary database was a network intrusion.

Gift shop more than doubles internet sales over Christmas period Country Crafts website went live on the internet in October 2004. Internet sales counted for 10% of turnover over the Christmas period that year. This year internet sales have rocketed to 25% of turnover. Owner, Claire Crouch said; "This growth is a reflection of more people buying on the internet but also our understanding of how best to sell using this channel." Claire attributes her success to three things, "1. It's essential to have focus, don't sell too many different products, 2. fitting the website processes into our everyday shop processes keeps overheads to a minimum, Giftware Connect has allowed us to do this, 3. Google search optimisation is essential as it means our advertising rates are significantly reduced."

David Mackley presented as a guest speaker at the Garden Seminar Series at Spring Fair 2006. "We gathered together a team of industry experts to share their insight with Spring Fair visitors. They passed on fantastic advice for retailers, equipping them to make the absolute most of their businesses. For gift and home buyers there were bright ideas too, with sessions covering universal issues such as security, Internet sales, merchandising and gift wrapping. These free seminars were a huge hit at the show."

Innovation makes eBay more accessible. eBay accounts for 46% of all eCommerce in the UK [Retail Week]. Whilst more retailers are looking to their own websites for expansion, few make full use of this internet auction site. Giftware Connect, the computer system just for gift shops is now an eBay approved application and allows users to send items from stock straight into eBay with one click. David Mackley Managing Director said; "This exciting resource allows giftware retailers to shift old stock very efficiently without having to grapple with the eBay interface at all. It has been a major hit with our pilot sites."

David Mackley speaks at Knowledge Forum during the Furniture Show, NEC Birmingham. "The Knowledge Forum is a packed programme of presentations from a selection of key speakers in the interiors industry and set out to enlighten and educate. The Knowledge Forum comprised a full four-day seminar programme, covering all aspects of retailing".

Sunday 22nd Jan 2006 2pm. What about the internet? Real facts and real opportunities.

Tuesday 24th Jan 2006 11am. Retailing futures. Technologies that will impact on retailing over the next 3 years.

Intelligent Retail move premises. Due to rapid expansion Intelligent Retail, the developers of Giftware Connect, have moved to larger premises, David Mackley Managing Director said; "This 18th Century building has so much character it's a fun place to work. It is centrally located to service our customers better". Our growth reflects increasing demand from independent retailers to use specialist technology to make their businesses more effective and access new channels such as the internet.