NEW wireless communication technology is helping convenience retailer Nisa Local stores ‘speed up’ parcel collections and respond more efficiently to the demands of its busy stores.
Kash Retail, which operates multiple convenience stores branded as Nisa Local, has recently introduced digital headsets by retail technology specialist Quail Digital into its outlets following an initial six-week trial.
The technology enables colleagues to communicate ‘instantly across the shop floor without leaving their positions or interrupting customer service’ and is helping stores manage everyday operational challenges ‘more effectively’ according to the retail operator.
Kevin Polley, Operations Manager at Kash Retail, said: “One of the clearest benefits has been the handling of parcel collections. When a customer arrives at the till to collect a parcel, the colleague serving them can contact a shop-floor team member through their headset and ask them to locate it.
“This removes the need to leave the till or call across the store, helping keep the collection process moving and reducing customer waiting times. The headsets have been a great help in speeding up the collection process, as staff on the tills can request a shop-floor colleague to find the parcel.”
Mr Polley said the new digital headset system, called ‘Quail Connect’, is also helping the retailer respond more quickly when additional till support is required. Colleagues can request assistance directly through their headsets as queues build, allowing the team to react without leaving customers unattended. He also highlighted how the technology was improving staff wellbeing by helping colleagues feel safer and better supported when dealing with potential theft and other security concerns.
‘Quail Connect’ is designed for small retail stores, typically accommodating four to six users, with the flexibility to expand as required. By allowing staff to request assistance, coordinate tasks, locate stock and respond quickly to queues or security concerns, ‘Quail Connect’ is designed to help retailers ‘improve team collaboration, operational efficiency and customer service’, says the manufacturer.
Tom Downes, Founder and CEO of Quail Digital, said: “Retailers are being asked to manage an increasingly complex range of in-store services while maintaining high standards of customer service. Parcel collections are a good example of how even a seemingly straightforward task can create additional pressure on store teams if communication is slow or inefficient.
“By giving colleagues, a simple, hands-free way to communicate, Quail Connect helps ensure the right person can respond quickly, whether that means locating a parcel, opening another till or alerting a colleague to a potential security concern.”