Dying of the elderly? Not with us!
We often hear about the death of grocery stores and the problem of a lack of local suppliers in rural areas. However, it is precisely these stores that are usually the only meeting place in many villages in addition to providing the essentials. Many senior citizens like to go shopping three times a day, not because they are so forgetful, but because they are looking for company and interaction with others. Young mothers have to shop in the cities with bags and bags instead of making a quick trip next door with their baby carriages. However, it is almost impossible to finance the operation of such a local grocery store alongside the large corporations – a lot of work for little money, so to speak.
BUT WHAT IF we combined a store like back then with the technology of today?
Katharina and Michael Hinterreither from Hollenstein an der Ybbs asked themselves the same question. With the “Braubogen”, you opened the first completely cashless self-service store in the Mostviertel region in April. The small store, with great attention to detail, is located in the center of the village and offers a very special atmosphere.
Katharina Hinterreither explains to us that it was important to them to offer regional products from various producers in the area and that this is so well received by customers that their store can even exist alongside two small supermarkets.
“Our customers keep telling me that they appreciate the value of the products so much and really enjoy shopping with us.”
Regional, mostly organic, sustainable, seasonal and fair products from local farms, such as milk, eggs, cheese, pickles, drinks and the like are on offer. Fine game from the Ybbstal valley, honey, Sonnentor products, soaps, detergents and more can also be found on the shelves. A huge, extensive range on just 30m². There are no sales assistants, but there is a cash register system with a barcode scanner. Payment is made by debit card or customer card.
The company Redl from Hollabrunn is a medium-sized family business and has been relying on the advantages of TiPOS POS systems. The modular design allows each system to be adapted to the individual requirements of the customer.
For the Braubogen, a customer card system and an ATM cash register were installed for payment. Customers scan the products themselves, enter the quantity and pay in cash. The payment interface can be customized and clearly designed, and customers are guided through the payment process in a self-explanatory manner.
The producers receive a daily e-mail informing them of the stock status and are therefore aware of the urgency of subsequent deliveries. For all products without an EAN code, TiPOS generates one itself, which is output via a label printer.
According to Ms. Hinterreither, the amount of work has leveled off and is feasible as a sideline; products are sourced from around 40 different suppliers. The producers retain 20% of the turnover for operating and administrative costs.
The respective TiPOS POS system can be customized as required: promotional screens can be used to display offers or sales, stock management helps with reordering, a bonus app can be used to issue offers and vouchers to loyalty card holders, and even a cash book simplifies paperwork at the end of the month.
With TiPOS you invest as required. A FairPlay store that benefits everyone: The customers know the producers and can shop locally, the producers achieve better prices than in the wholesale trade, the economy also benefits from local trade and a meeting place is created again for everyone in small towns.
Statement Ms. Katharina Hinterreither: “We are glad that we decided to use the cashless system from TiPOS, the customers are just as happy to accept it and in Redl we have found a reliable partner who has implemented everything according to our wishes.”
