Pursuit launches tablet system for portable sales

Retailers and suppliers were told about the product, which turns a tablet device such as an iPad or Blackberry into a retail sales tool. Lifestyle’s capabilities mean that sales are no longer restricted to a fixed counter area but can be carried out around the shop, to help create a complete shopping experience.

Speaking at yesterday’s event, Pursuit managing director Mike Burns said: “We see Lifestyle as a sales aid. It’s not a salesperson, it helps sales people sell.”
The system, which allows sales staff to peruse product images and information with customers, can be customised to suit each individual retailer by selecting different relevant “choices” from 32 options. For instance, the “choices” include, credit notes; refunds; special orders and wishlists.

In the making for two and a half years, Lifestyle has been designed to enhance brand sales, help sales staff and to be futureproof for the next 10 to 15 years.
The system can be used to tell sales personnel and customers the items that are in stock; stocked at another branch and can also match items that may not be in stock but are readily obtainable from suppliers.

“Before any pieces are taken out of display, choices can be steered and an initial selection of the kinds of interest to a customer can be narrowed down using on-screen supplier range presentations,” said Burns. To complete the transaction, the module will also handle card transactions, e-receipts, insurance and customer information capture for future marketing purposes.

Lifestyle is also fully compatible with existing Pursuit sales, stock and management systems. It can be installed on an iPad, Blackberry, Android and Windows based devices, runs on laptops and PCs, and is also compatible with cloud technology.

Burns said: “For the consumer, a tablet is a status symbol. It is, as they say, cool technology and the ultimate icon of today’s consumer society. For jewellery retailers therefore, Lifestyle is a business too that, over and above its functional benefits, in terms of its consumer perceptions is absolutely on-trend.”

The system operates via a wireless link to the retailer’s system server and is not dependent on broadband connection - although an internet link would be required for a cloud-type computer installation. Sales and transaction details are automatically fed to the back office and stock control elements of the wider Pursuit system using a two way, real-time information loop.

Additionally, retailers are able to browse the catalogues of suppliers who have provided a direct product information feed for the system. “Brands and wholesalers employing this facility to deliver range catalogies and updates to Pursuit users are as varied as Ti Sento, Trollbeads, Gecko, CL Edwards and Hirsch Watch Straps,” said Burns. “Retailers can also supplement this with product details and digital images they input themselves.”

The Lifestyle product is being trialled throughout May and is set to be officially launched on 1 June.

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