At a glance
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Improved EfficiencyAutomation reduces manual tasks, speeds up checkouts, and optimises cash handling, allowing staff to focus on customer service and stock management.
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Cost SavingsSelf-checkouts and cash management solutions lower operational expenses by reducing labour costs and increasing transaction speed.
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Enhanced Customer ExperienceShorter queues, streamlined transactions, and self-service options provide a smoother and more convenient shopping experience.
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EDGEPoS Solutions used
“Henderson Technology’s EDGEPoS and self-checkouts have transformed our business. We’ve reduced labour costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced the customer experience.
The Glory Cash Recycling Solution has streamlined operations, saving time and resources. These innovations have future-proofed Mulkerns Group, ensuring we stay ahead in retail.”
Terry Mulkerns, Director,
Mulkerns Group
Mulkerns Group – Transforming Retail Efficiency with Henderson Technology
Mulkerns Group, a well-established family-run business, has been a key player in the convenience retail sector since 1976. Founded by Terry Mulkerns’ father, the business has grown significantly over the years, expanding to multiple locations, including Mulkerns Eurospar, SPAR Jonesborough and Daisy Hill Hospital Shop.
As the business evolved, the need for innovative technological solutions became apparent, leading to the implementation of Henderson Technology’s EDGEPoS system, self-checkouts, and other automated solutions such as EDGEPoS ESELs and Glory Cash Recycling Solution to enhance efficiency and customer experience.
Embracing Change with EDGEPoS Self-Checkouts
After Terry originally installed the EDGEPoS EPOS solution, he sought a solution that would overcome his staffing issues. With labour shortages and rising operational costs posing significant challenges, Mulkerns Group sought a solution to future-proof their stores. The introduction of EDGEPoS self-checkouts was driven by multiple factors, including improving efficiency, streamlining operations, and enhancing customer experience.
“The chief concern was the lack of and cost of labour. It’s getting harder to recruit staff, retain them, and pay them competitively. Self-checkouts and other automated solutions help address these challenges, ” said Terry Mulkerns, Director of Mulkerns Group.
Since implementing self-checkouts, the store has noticed a significant shift in customer behaviour. A growing number of customers now prefer self-service, making checkout queues shorter and reducing the need for as many manned tills, while traditional checkouts remain for larger baskets and trolley shoppers.
ESELs
To further protect their investment in technology, Mulkerns Group installed Henderson Technology’s bumper rails in their store aisles. While the Electronic Shelf Edge Labels (ESELs)
are built to be durable, the rails provide extra protection against accidental bumps from trolleys and baskets, ensuring longevity and reducing maintenance costs.
To further optimise efficiency, Mulkerns Group introduced Glory Recycling technology, initially in the back office. The C1-100 system streamlined cash handling processes, eliminating the need for staff to count cash manually seven days a week. “We used to have four people managing cash and reconciliations in the office. With Glory, we’ve cut that in half, saving both time and resources, ”explained Mulkerns. The next step was integrating Glory on the shop floor, supporting self-service payments and further enhancing operational efficiency.
The transition involved a learning curve, particularly in how the self-checkouts and Glory systems were positioned, but once optimised, they significantly improved customer experience and cash-handling efficiency.
Fully Automated Retailing at Daisy Hill Hospital Shop
One of Mulkerns Group’s most innovative transformations took place at Daisy Hill Hospital Shop, a store they have operated since the mid-1980s.
“Daisy Hill is a very small footprint; one customer can walk around in single file. Previously, two checkouts took up nearly a quarter of the space, ”Mulkerns noted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the store temporarily closed, providing an opportunity to rethink its operations. Mulkerns considered a fully automated, 24-hour, camera-monitored solution but ultimately opted for a more balanced approach.
The store transitioned entirely to self-checkouts, removing traditional counters and freeing up valuable floor space. “We now run it with just one member of staff, where before we needed two. Their role is to supervise checkouts, restock, and merchandise, making overall operations much more efficient,” Mulkerns explained.
Additionally, Michelle McGuigan, Manager of Daisy Hill Hospital Shop, highlighted the positive impact of EDGEPoS Self-checkouts: “The EDGEPoS Self-checkouts give me time to restock as it is very busy being placed in a hospital. Everyone is happy to use them and any elderly who are hesitant have me there to educate them when it is needed.” Approximately 70-80% of transactions in the hospital shop are card-based, with hospital staff making up the majority of customers.
Conclusion
The implementation of Henderson Technology’s EDGEPoS, self-checkouts, and Glory Cash recycling Solutions has been a game-changer for Mulkerns Group. By embracing automation, they have successfully reduced labour costs, improved efficiency, and
enhanced the overall shopping experience for their customers. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, Mulkerns Group remains committed to leveraging technology to stay ahead of the curve.