New app integrated to EDGEPoS attracts more customers to local stores

Henderson Technology said a new app integrated into the company’s EDGEPoS system has been attracting new customers to local SPAR and VIVO stores.

Developed earlier this year, the new home delivery and click ‘n’ collect app Appetite has seen a surge in retailers installing the service during lockdown, and the group said one retailer has reported that 80 per cent of its users are completely new customers.

“This is a game changer for independent retailers. Already our trial stores have experienced fantastic sales and are attracting new shoppers, with VIVO Glenarm Road in Larne reporting 80 per cent of their orders coming from those who had never shopped with them before,” said Darren Nickels, retail technology operations director at Henderson Technology.

“Retailers are fully supported by our training team which means the software, order terminal and printer can all be installed with full stock uploaded and training completed in around two days.

Fully integrated into the company’s EDGEPoS system, the app provides live and automatically updated stock levels helping shoppers pick what is on the shelves in real-time. Alongside grocery deliveries and collections, retailers also have the option to add their hot food-to-go on the app.

“The App has made a big difference to our business, especially at a time where some in our community are cautious about going to the shops,” said Chris Campbell, owner of VIVO Glenarm Road.

“Thanks to the diversity of the app, we’re planning on adding our hot food deli range which will include Sunday Dinners, which have been hugely popular lately as families are caring for elderly and vulnerable relatives. We will also add evening meals to take some pressure off busy families, and in the run up to Christmas we will add our Christmas Hampers to the app for ordering too. It’s fair to say Appetite has enabled us to thrive during a very challenging trading time.”

Frank Kilpatrick, chief executive of Blu Dot Technologies which created the app said they will be adding their pay@pump solution which will enable motorists to order and pay for fuel using the Appetite App on their smartphone early next year.

“Appetite will enable shoppers across Northern Ireland, using smartphone, web and kiosk devices, to pre-order and pre-pay for grocery and Deli items, with options to collect from the store or choose a home delivery slot,” he added.