Independent grocers face a tough business environment. They are typically faced with severe competition from national chains, price erosion and rising overhead, not to mention business related issues of food spoilage, sourcing, employee matters and loss prevention.
Independent grocers face a tough business environment. They are typically faced with severe competition from national chains, price erosion and rising overhead, not to mention business related issues of food spoilage, sourcing, employee matters and loss prevention.
To beat the odds in this tough environment, one independent business owner is using technology. John Troyer, Co-owner and CEO of a family-run grocery market and food processing facility in Berlin, Ohio, has learned that, along with a sense of humor, an integrated technology solution can help handle many of the day-to-day issues. His store, Troyer Country Market, has recently implemented a total end-to-end retail solution from Panasonic including PoS workstations, scales/scanners, PoS printers, video surveillance cameras, network recording devices, digital signage and retail management software.
“Staying competitive today means more than just offering low prices or unique food specialties,” Troyer said. “It means ensuring that our back of store operations are efficient and effective and support a positive customer experience at checkout and throughout the store. Being able to automate and enhance these procedures and processes saves us time and money and helps us to stay on top of the game.”
Troyer Country Market opened for business in 2006 to promote their own line of goods, including their home-made dairy and meat products as well as canned goods. The venture proved highly successful and business grew quickly with local customers and out-of-towners through an electronic retail operation. But along with the success came the need for a more technically advanced retail system that would help them overcome the challenges associated with a growing business.
For guidance in selecting new equipment, Troyer turned to Terry Selkirk of Genesis PoS solutions. In addition to discussing equipment options, it was suggested that Troyer consider a total solution that would be scalable, network-based and be capable of integrating all systems from both the store and the adjacent warehouse and manufacturing facility.