CASE STUDY
TAKING CONTROL OF STOCK WITH CLOUD AND GLASS
Independent fashion retailer Juney Shoo from Troon, near Glasgow, is using a combination of cloud accounting and PoS software to modernise its sales process and boost revenues
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n-store technology systems and hardware such as tablets for point of sale
(PoS) and stock queries, typically seen the remit of larger retailers, can bring great benefits to the small shop. Scottish retailer Juney Shoo is a good
example of how an independent boutique can use modern technologies and cloud- based software to save time and keep a firm hand on its financial performance. The boutique aims to offer customers a
luxurious and relaxed shopping experience, with a style-by-appointment service, a private dressing room and a lounge area where shoppers and their friends can relax and enjoy a glass of wine as they shop. The boutique has recently been
equipped with Xero online accounting software and a cloud-based Vend PoS software add-on, alongside handheld tablets. Vend works on PC, Mac and iPad and connects to in-shop hardware such as cash drawers, receipt printers and barcode scanners. It accepts credit credit cards, debit cards and PayPal payments over the
50 Autumn 2014
Vend iPad app and integrates directly with the Xero accounting software to eliminate the need for manual double entry of sales data. Daily sales totals are automatically entered into Xero for reconciliation with the retailer’s bank account and individual invoices and statements for customers can be set up. This combination of online software
and mobile hardware has allowed former recruitment specialist turned-boutique- owner June Shaw and shop manager Amy Fergusson to avoid old-style manual tills and paper sales and stock logs. This has not only helped them improve
the way they manage their finances and control stock levels but also boosted their image as an up-to-date brand. Shaw established her business in September 2011. Situated in West Portland Street,
Troon, around 35 miles from Glasgow the shop is opposite a popular local wine bar and restaurant which brings in trade from the city. Two years on and
despite a fire closing the restaurant for many months, the business survived the impact on passing trade and has a loyal customer base. “We originally opened as a shoe shop predominantly, after some time we decided to try clothing as well,” explained Fergusson. “Now it’s shoes, a growing clothing brand and even some jewellery. We’ve grown more boutique- like.” However, with trade and sales volumes difficult to predict and fluctuating throughout the year, getting the right balance of stock is crucial. This is helped with insight from past
sales, which Ferguson generates using the online accounting software. She also keeps a close watch on the shop’s weekly totals, confident that what appears in the accounts is both up-to-date and accurate. “I don’t think some people realise how
important the stock system is in terms of driving your business,” said Fergusson. “It’s a lot more than just selling your product. You could be selling but not making your margins and money.” Using information
www.retailtechnology.co.uk
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