MISFIT
Modern Technology
A
s I said in last month’s Misfit I would try and look at how technology within the retail sector has changed since I started in the trade 40 plus years ago.
My first memory of a Sales Representative calling at our shop
was gentleman called Haydon Daniels who sold Loake Shoes. Mr Daniels, as he was known, presented his range and when we made our selection he produced a small hard backed pocket book from his jacket pocket and proceeded to write down our order. We never had a copy order or signed anything but sure enough 3 months later the shoes would arrive on time, exactly what we think we had ordered. Shortly after the delivery followed a hand written invoice which we then paid with a cheque and the whole transaction was completed.
As time moved on we had order pads and then one of the big
suppliers at the time introduced an order sheet with every style colour and in those days the fittings available. The rep only needed to fill in sizes required. This was great except that the order sheet was more like an encyclopaedia and far from eco friendly.
Next we had the first signs of a computerised system which
came in all shapes and sizes, some reps’ computer bags were nearly as big as their sample cases - and certainly as heavy. Now what do we get? An ipad which does exactly the same as good old Mr Daniels notebook, except it costs far more..... No, I joke. The big difference is how today’s information is used. I find it fascinating to think that today’s rep can tap an order into an ipad and before you know it the order has been placed and the factory can plan the production straightaway.
Although the manufacturing side of the shoe industry have
moved on with technology, I am not sure the independent retailer has. How many retailers have a fully integrated EPOS system? Not that many I suspect.
How many independents can produce a full sales analysis?
How many can see how much each brand has contributed to the profitability of the company? In today’s retail world this is the type of information every retailer needs to survive. Although I have found it very difficult to accept that as a retailer I need to invest heavily into these systems, I know it was money well spent.
12 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • JUNE/JULY 2014 I sound like a computer salesman, I can assure you, this
couldn’t be further from the truth. All I do know is that modern technology, if used in the right way can improve every business. The only thing you have to be careful of is that you don’t let the computer take over your business - or your life.
Please email and give me your thoughts or subjects you
would like me to natter on about in future editions to
Misfitfootwear@hotmail.com.
With the Internet becoming more and more important to
retailers, you have got to have the latest technology to have any chance of competing on the bigger stage. Although the initial outlay is huge you will soon recoup the cost by being able to reduce your stock holding and replenish the best sellers much quicker. If you haven’t already thought about introducing some sort of stock control system, now is the time.
I sound like a computer salesman, I can assure you, this couldn’t be further from the truth. All I do know is that modern technology, if used in the right way can improve every business. The only thing you have to be careful of is that you don’t let the computer take over your business - or your life.
The multiple retailers don’t spend millions on computer
systems without good cause. You only need to look at the supermarkets, they are streets ahead, again analysing not only their sales, but also the customers who shop with them and even the weather, so they can order the right product at exactly the right time. Just imagine if you could order your summer sandals to arrive the week before the warm weather arrives.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44