Local SPAR and VIVO retailers are attracting new customers who have not shopped with them before thanks to the introduction of a new home delivery and click ‘n’ collect app.

Appetite, created in partnership with Blu Dot Technologies by Henderson Technology, is fully integrated into the company’s EDGEPoS system meaning stock levels are live and automatically updated so the shopper has pick of what is on the shelves in real-time.

Always innovating to create efficient processes in store, the app was developed earlier this year and saw a surge in retailers installing the service during lockdown when they started to offer home deliveries, with one retailer reporting 80% of its users are completely new customers.

Darren Nickels, Retail Technology Operations Director at Henderson Technology says installing the app in-store is seamless; “Retailers are fully supported by our training team which means the software, order terminal and printer can all be installed with full stock uploaded and training completed in around two days.

“This is a game changer for independent retailers. Already our trial stores have experienced fantastic sales and are attracting new shoppers, with VIVO Glenarm Road in Larne reporting 80% of their orders coming from those who had never shopped with them before. As we continue through the COVID-19 pandemic and we all look for different solutions, Appetite has only continued to grow and bring fantastic benefits to our retailers.”

Alongside grocery deliveries and collections, retailers have the option to add their hot food-to-go on the app as Chris Campbell, owner of VIVO Glenarm Road explains.

“The App has made a big difference to our business, especially at a time where some in our community are cautious about going to the shops. Thanks to the diversity of the app, we’re planning on adding our hot food deli range which will include Sunday Dinners, which have been hugely popular lately as families are caring for elderly and vulnerable relatives. We will also add evening meals to take some pressure off busy families, and in the run up to Christmas we will add our Christmas Hampers to the app for ordering too. It’s fair to say Appetite has enabled us to thrive during a very challenging trading time.”

Frank Kilpatrick, CEO of Blu Dot Technologies added; “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Henderson Technology. Their innovative and forward-looking approach make them an ideal partner for our Digital Retail Platform. Appetite will enable shoppers across Northern Ireland, using Smartphone, Web and Kiosk devices, to pre-order and pre-pay for grocery and Deli items, with options to collect from the store or choose a home delivery slot.

“Early next year, we will add our pay@pump solution, which will enable motorists to order and pay for fuel using the Appetite App on their smartphone.”

Darren finished; “We are not a company to sit still and we’re continually developing our retail technologies to create better services for our customers to benefit their shoppers. Technology innovation has never been as important as it is now, and with Appetite we can continue to develop the tech to match the retailer needs. We look forward to seeing more retailers coming on board and discovering the advantages for themselves.”

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