Williams & Griffin

WILLIAMS AND GRIFFIN USE FUTURA TO REACT FAST TO PRICE CUTS

Despite the economic downturn, award-winning Colchester based department store Williams & Griffin is "battling along nicely," due to their ability to react quickly to changing conditions, using Futura's sophisticated retail management system.

Stock control and IT Support Manager, Paul Kearse, has found it very quick and straight forward to create promotions such as "buy one, reduction on second item" within a range since Futura operates with both unit and financial stock and all unit stock is automated.

According to Paul, Futura is also helping to keep stock levels balanced in such a way that they can avoid stock outs and customer disappointment and at the same time minimise the amount of investment in stock. Paul finds the Recommended Reordering feature "fantastic" with its powerful dynamic re-ordering facility using sales data from several different periods - he believes its one of the key strengths of the system. He added: "Futura has helped us grow our sales and give better customer service by being in stock of core lines - it's contributed to making us a thoroughly modern department store."

Williams and Griffin management also find the instant visibility of trading performance a major reason they value Futura. Commented Paul: "Instead of printed reports you can drill down to see whatever you want, even to item level, instantly on screen."

Paul has been surprised by customers' phenomenal uptake of Futura's top-up gift cards. Sales have increased 48% over paper vouchers and he believes as well as building loyalty, they are particularly useful for pocket money and Christmas, especially in the toy department, as parents and grandparents love them and they are a great present for all.

“The scope for promotions is phenomenal, it's all there, built into the system and doesn't cost any extra to use, yet lets us be creative in special offers for our customers”Paul Kearse