EPoS firm IT Retail Systems (ITS) is aiming to bridge the gap between customer online orders and store availability with a soon-to-launch home delivery app, Better Retailing can reveal.

Sources confirmed the company, which works with more than 1,400 convenience retailers, has already been approaching partnered stores with demonstrations of a ‘Kwik-e Shopper’ app. Better Retailing understands trials have already been undertaken with some store owners and a full rollout of the system is expected over the next month.

A major feature of the app is integration into ITS till systems. This means the pricing and stock levels displayed in the app will remain up-to-date with data and availability in stores, and the retailer won’t be required to scan items manually when packing home deliveries.

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One retailer, who asked not to be named, told Better Retailing: “It’s a really slick looking app. Home delivery has grown massively for convenience retailers during the pandemic, but one issue is how up-to-date the information in the apps are. Some systems require manual updating, which can take time out of a retailer’s day.

“There’s also the likelihood of incorrect orders going through if, for example, a customer orders five of one particular item and the store only has three of those in stock. It helps prevent disappointment.”

Other features of the app include the nutritional information of products on sale, the ability to purchase previous orders again and a barcode scanner, allowing customers to add products to their baskets by scanning the item with their smartphone.

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Retailers can also add their store’s branding and name to the top of the app and tailor promotions based on what a customer has added as a favourite. Items on promotion or reduced to clear can also be listed, while personalised messages can be sent to customers. Loyalty schemes can also be integrated into the app.

Other versions of the app are also available to retailers, including one allowing owners to process orders, an app for delivery drivers and software allowing store owners to have a full overview of their sales and orders.

The launch of the Kwik-e Shopper app comes as Better Retailing understands a major symbol group is looking to improve home-delivery services through its EPoS system. One retailer close to the symbol group, who asked not to be named, told Better Retailing:

“They’re looking to develop the system which will allow retailers to use any home-delivery provider through their EPoS. “They’re trying to do a multifaceted interface. After every transaction, whatever is ordered is processed and the stock levels will be updated accordingly. The same wholesaler is also looking at allowing retailers to integrate pricing files from other wholesalers into its system.”

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