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QUB Union SPAR

QUB Union Spar, located in Queenʼs Studentsʼ Union in One Elmwood and ran by Store Manager Glenn Patterson, has been trading for the past three and a half years. This unique store serves a predominantly student customer base, which led to the decision to implement card-only self-checkouts, as this format best suits the needs and expectations of its customers.

At a glance

  • Primary card-Only Self- Checkout Model
    Improved speed and efficiency enabling high customer volume with minimal staffing
  • EDGEPoS Detailed Reporting
    Greater visibility and control over store performance
  • Leverage 24/7 Support
    Ensuring the store can maintain consistent service in a fast paced environment
  • EDGEPoS Solutions used
    EDGEPoS Head Office logo EDGEPoS Self-checkout logo EDGEPoS Retail logo
EDGEPoS Head Officeʼs Reporting to Improve Efficiency

QUB Union Spar have benefited from EDGEPoSʼ comparative, data based reporting, highlighting itʼs ease of use and how “You can actually see where youʼre making your moneyˮ “The automated reports are good too. They go straight to our accounts department, saves us from doing any work!ˮ “We also have a lot of credit accounts. Thereʼs about 70 different accounts we have. But again, this is now all automated with EDGEPoS. That one single report goes to our accounts department and then they split it down between departments. And thatʼs a very valuable asset to haveˮ.

Glenn pointed out the difference EDGEPoS has made to reporting as “previously everything was on paper and someone had to sit and scroll through hundreds of pages at the end of the monthˮ Now, EDGEPoS offers comparative, data based reports in an instance. “The reports are infinite! Youʼre able to track everything.ˮ “You know, itʼs very good from a security point of view too – you can look at your reports and see where your refunds are going and time checks.ˮ

Card-Only Self-Checkouts as the Core Checkout Model

QUB Union Spar have implemented this checkout model upon opening, because it is the best option to suit the requirements of the fast-paced store.

Glenn explained that “On a peak lunch, we go through over 500 customers. We couldnʼt physically do it as
manned tills because they are slower than Self-Checkouts. Plus the fact you would need five people to
man them.ˮ

“Our customers are students, theyʼre going in between classes or their lunch, theyʼre in a rush. So from a
convenience point of view this system is ideal for them.ˮ

Through this model, Spar QUB are able to manage 5 Self-Checkout lanes through one member of staff. Not
only has this benefitted the stores efficiency in serving customers, but has offered cost saving in terms of
payroll.

Glenn challenged the argument that Self-Checkouts are putting people out of a job with his experience that
“they are actually safeguarding jobs because itʼs making service more efficient and profitable. In the longterm, itʼs good for the business and the staffˮ.
“Itʼs just making sure that your process from the start is right. This will then mitigate all the negatives,
such as walk-offs etc.ˮ

Fast Paced Environment and Adaptions Supported by EDGEPoS

Glenn explained that there has been an extremely positive response to QUB Union Spar’s refit. They have tailored the store over the years to students, “when we opened, it was a completely different proposition, but now we know what we’re selling.”

QUB Union Spar have had to be very agile in their proposition, using EDGEPoS to change what they give to their customers very quickly, “adapting to trends.” “We can add as many products as we want. Just add them on, put in the margin we want, and then we can track sales.”

Glenn highlighted how the reporting tool has supported them in adapting to trends as well, “because we’ll get big swings, it’s very handy to have the history of reports” to look back on previous peak times.

Advice for Retailers considering EDGEPoS/SCOs

“Well, I can only highly recommend EDGEPoS and the back up from Henderson Technology is exceptional, if I phone the support is terrific “The EDGEPoS system works really, really well for us. The tills are smooth, thereʼs never any glitches, never any operational issues.ˮ

One of the main benefits QUB Union Spar have recognised from using EDGEPoS is the detailed information it provides retailers access to – “Itʼs easy to say something does or doesnʼt sell, but EDGEPoS allows you to say compared to these two reports, weʼre up 20% in this or down 6% in that. Itʼs easyˮ

“I would honestly recommend EDGEPoS to anyone. The service level you get is above the rest.ˮ


Conclusion

QUB Union Spar’s experience shows that self-checkouts can be a highly effective solution when aligned with customer behaviour and store demands. In a fast-paced, student-focused environment, the card-only self-checkout model has enabled the store to process high volumes quickly, reduce queue times, and operate more efficiently with fewer staff required on tills.

EDGEPoS has supported overall business performance by improving speed, convenience, and profitability. Ultimately, the case demonstrates that when implemented with the right processes and oversight, self-checkouts can enhance both customer experience and operational efficiency, making them a strong fit for high-traffic convenience retail.

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