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McKillops

Objectives

McKillop’s SPAR aimed to modernise operations while maintaining its strong community presence. The key goals were to reduce queue
times during peak school traffic, improve pricing and promotion management, and enhance the overall customer experience. Owner
Eamon McKillop also wanted a system that could streamline reporting, minimise manual tasks, and support staff through better
training tools — all while preparing the store for long-term growth in an increasingly digital retail environment.

Solutions

  • EDGEPoS: Henderson Technology’s intuitive EPOS system
    to streamline store operations, improve reporting, and
    enhance promotional flexibility.
  • Self-Checkouts: To alleviate pressure during peak times
    and speed up service for customers with smaller baskets.
  • Electronic Shelf Edge Labels (ESELs): To automate pricing
    updates and reduce time spent on manual label changes.

At a glance

  • Reduced Queues and Faster Service
    With two self-checkouts now operating in-store, approximately 30% of transactions are processed through self-service, allowing faster service for customers on the go.
  • Improved Operational Efficiency
    EDGEPoS has streamlined processes such as batch downloads, price changes, and promotional rollovers, saving staff significant time. Eamon praised the reporting functionality: “The reporting is top-class. You can dissect anything and get the results you need, helping us stay tight on gross profit.”
  • Reinvesting Time into Presentation
    With staff no longer burdened by time-consuming tasks like label changes, they now focus more on visual merchandising — key to the store’s standout appearance and in-store promotions.
  • EDGEPoS Solutions used
    EDGEPoS Retail logo EDGEPoS Self-checkout logo

“EDGEPoS, self-checkouts and ESELs have transformed how we run McKillop’s SPAR. The long-term benefits are immense. We’ve improved efficiency, enhanced the customer experience, and freed up time to focus on what matters most — our community. I couldn’t imagine running the store without it now.”

Eamon Mckillop, Owner, McKillops SPAR

McKillop’s SPAR – Advancing Community Retail with Henderson Technology

Eamon McKillop, owner of McKillop’s SPAR on Frys Road, has proudly continued his family’s retail legacy since taking over the store more than two decades ago. Established in 1988 by his father, the store has remained at the heart of its community, nestled between two primary schools and a secondary school. To keep pace with customer demand and modern retail expectations, Eamon
implemented a suite of solutions from Henderson Technology, including the EDGEPoS system, self-checkouts (SCOs), and electronic shelf edge labels (ESELs). These tools have not only increased operational efficiency but also strengthened the store’s customer service capabilities.

Eamon recognised the importance of preserving its long-standing community roots while embracing innovation to stay ahead. With a deep understanding of the store’s role in the local area, he knew it was more than just a place to pick up groceries — McKillop’s SPAR is a
trusted, familiar presence that plays a vital role in everyday life for many residents.
As the needs of the neighbourhood evolved and customer expectations shifted, Eamon was quick to respond. Determined to ensure the store remained relevant and resilient in a competitive market, he took bold steps to future-proof the business.

Peak-Time Pressures and the Need for Speed

One of the store’s biggest challenges was managing high footfall during specific times of
the day. “We’re very school- driven, ” said Eamon. “You’d have a massive rush in the mornings, lunchtime, and again at pickup.” Long queues were frustrating for customers and challenging for staff. With a limited number of traditional tills, transactions during these spikes could be slow and inefficient. The need for a faster, more scalable solution became clear.

Introducing Self-Checkouts

The first step was introducing self-checkout technology from Henderson Technology. Starting with one unit, Eamon quickly realised that demand warranted more. “It just wasn’t enough. We saw queues forming even at the self-checkout, so we added a second one. Two is the sweet spot for our 3,000 sq ft store,” he explained.

The location of these self-checkouts proved crucial. “We initially had one placed at the end of the till bank — it didn’t work. We moved them away from the main tills, and the difference was night and day. It created a much smoother flow in-store.” Now, roughly 30% of all transactions go through self-checkouts, mainly used by customers with smaller baskets, such as van drivers picking up hot food or coffee.

Enhancing Price Management with ESELs

The next major step was replacing traditional paper shelf labels with electronic shelf edge labels (ESELs). The operational benefits were immediate. “Changing promotional pricing used
to take hours — we’d print 20 sheets of labels, and by the third one staff would give up and bin the rest,” said Eamonn. “Now it’s the click of a button. It saves time, ensures compliance with Trading Standards, and we always know the price is correct.”

The Power of EDGEPoS Reporting

EDGEPoS has also provided McKillop’s SPAR with powerful back-office capabilities. Eamon and his team use the system’s comprehensive reporting tools to keep a tight grip on margins and product performance. “The reporting is absolutely first class, ” he said. “You can drill into anything — margins, performance, trends. It keeps us sharp and focused on the numbers.” He also appreciates the promotional tools and the ability to customise training videos for staff depending on their role. “It saves time and makes onboarding more efficient.”

Award-Winning Recognition

McKillop’s SPAR was recently recognised as the Independent Retailer of the Year, a major achievement reflecting the hard work of Eamon and his team. “I didn’t expect it at all, ” he admitted. “It’s a reflection of how far we’ve come and how much the community supports us. I brought my whole family to London for the awards — it was a proud moment.”

A Future-Ready Store Rooted in Community

By embracing Henderson Technology’s EDGEPoS system, self-checkouts, and electronic shelf edge labels, McKillop’s SPAR has successfully modernised its operations without losing the personal touch that defines its role in the local community.

Eamon McKillop has demonstrated that innovation and tradition can work hand in hand. These technologies haven’t just streamlined internal processes — they’ve enhanced the customer experience, empowered staff, and helped the store manage its busiest periods with confidence and consistency.

With a forward-thinking mindset and a clear vision for continued integration and improvement, McKillop’s SPAR stands as a powerful example of how independent retailers can thrive in today’s competitive retail landscape while staying true to their
roots.

“We’re not just investing in tech — we’re investing in the future of our community, our team, and the experience we offer every single customer.”

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