Halfords updates instore signage tech
By Retail Technology | Thursday July 18 2013
Motoring accessories retailer drives better customer communication with new integrated signage system
Halfords is overhauling its instore customer communications by implementing an integrated signage system from Episys.
After reviewing the existing instore signage systems used across 467 stores in the UK and Ireland, the automotive and leisure products retailer saw an opportunity to both streamline communications through the introduction of a new format that better reflects the rapid pace demanded by current market conditions.
As a current user of the Episys solution, Halfords was able to build on this existing investment through the addition of complementary modules, which will provide the company with all of the capability it requires and more options in terms of design and ease of use.
Upgrading for greater flexibility
The upgrade will deliver flexibility, improve operational efficiency and support the business’ multichannel customer engagement strategy -- enabling Halfords to scale up in order to handle major seasonal promotions, as well as additional stores as required.
As a result, Halfords will no longer need to outsource label design and has enabled the majority of stores to print material locally - reducing the need for manual distribution of signage to stores dramatically.
In addition, Halfords will also be able to incorporate new design features such as QR codes, barcodes, logos and colour to create more engaging shelf edge and peg-end labels, promotional shelf talkers and A5/A4 signage.
Engaging multichannel customers
Joy Edwards, business process consultant at Halfords, stated: “By moving to the Episys solution, we are able to build on our current system and seamlessly incorporate new technology that engages with our customers.
“The software allows us to create colour signage and to incorporate QR codes, which are crucial in providing information at the point of need. Our processes will be streamlined, as all ticketing management will come straight from the support centre and be printed instore.”
