The Challenge
A well-known national footwear retailer with many locations was struggling with an outdated point of sale (POS) system and recognized that an upgrade would lead to a more seamless customer experience. From mobile payments to complex discounts, this store-wide upgrade would lead to the truly omnichannel experience their customers needed. Newer, more sophisticated platforms would remove the daily maintenance and manual intervention that the antiquated system regularly required.
To ensure a successful implementation, the retailers looked for an experienced retail consultant with an educated view of the current omnichannel commerce landscape, vast experience in vendor relations, and a proven track record of successful large chain implementations. Primary goals included:
- Best-in-class POS functionality available out-of-the-box
- Support for the latest mobile devices
- Timely implementation throughout the chain
Sophelle’s Assessment
The initial discovery phase of the project illuminated delays in employee turnover and vendor management. The retailer’s core team underwent several employee changes, both project managers and executive stakeholders. Sophelle enabled a speedy selection process and assembled a team of retail consultancy experts to finalize the strategy and work on the tactical implementation, alleviating key project delays.
Solution
Sophelle leveraged its proven No Surprises selection process, extensive experience in footwear and apparel, and vast knowledge of leading POS platforms. With a keen understanding of the retailer’s needs and the current customer-centered omnichannel landscape, Sophelle helped select a best-in-class technology provider while ensuring a strong vision along with the tactical expertise to complete the project on time and on budget.
Result
With Sophelle’s assistance and expertise, the retailer could devote appropriate attention to revolutionizing the store experience. The chosen best-in-class POS solution required little to no manual intervention while enabling a wider range of complex promotional opportunities and engaging mobile-centered payment options. Under the revised project plan, the new platform went live on time, on budget, and with the new features and functions needed to take the next step toward a customer-centric shopping experience.
Sophelle, an experienced provider of management and technology consulting services to the retail industry, helps both emerging and Fortune 500 clients achieve their business and technology objectives by delivering sound, flexible strategies, and reliable, efficient solutions. Committed to client success and satisfaction, Sophelle generates measurable value in the areas of IT strategy, selection, implementation, and support. Sophelle’s No Surprises approach delivers solutions on time and on budget. For more information visit www.sophelle.com
