Dobbies signage is blooming marvellous thanks to Episys
Dobbies, one of the UK’s largest garden centre retailers with 25 stores throughout Scotland and England, is implementing Retail Enterprise Suite™ from global information technology solutions and services company, Episys, to produce shelf edge labels and promotional signage centrally, for availability to the stores through the in-store user interface.
The Episys solution will enable Dobbies to add rich content to signs, maintain consistent branding across the store estate, reduce lead times for signage production, cut down on wastage through the delivery of store specific batches, all of which will and lead to a significant reduction in labour at both the head office and store.
John Hawkins, head of visual merchandising for Dobbies, said, “The Episys solution will support us in a number of ways, particularly when we are opening new stores. The new system will remove the labour-intensive obstacles we encounter when opening new garden centres, meaning business as usual for all our stores.”
Dobbies selected Retail Enterprise Suite™ from Episys, following a visit by the head of visual merchandising for Dobbies to the Global Signage and Labelling Convention, organised by Episys in May 2009.
Hawkins continued, “I was impressed by Episys, and the solutions on show at the event. It was a great opportunity to speak with existing Episys customers, who provided me with positive feedback, and helped make the final decision to work with Episys an easy one.”
The implementation of Retail Enterprise Suite™ has also enabled Dobbies to move to in store printing, and Episys will be providing printers that not only have the capability of producing internal signage, but also printing on waterproof, UV resistant media that can be used externally.
Peter Lewis, Marketing Director at Episys, said, “Dobbies has ambitious expansion plans, aiming to open 100 stores within the next 10 years, and we’re delighted that they recognise that Episys can provide a scalable technology platform that will grow with them. It is vital for Dobbies that as they grow they ensure that their customers continue to see consistent messaging, and the Retail Enterprise Suite™ is the ideal system to enable this.”
About Dobbies
Founded by James Dobbie in 1865, Dobbies has today grown to become one of the UK’s leading gardens and homes retailers with over 11 million customers every year at its 25 stores throughout the UK and online at www.dobbies.com.
For over 140 years, the Dobbies name has stood for quality horticulture and the retailer has expanded its offering in recent years to create a leading home and garden retail destination with departments including: homeware and accessories, conservatory and outdoor furniture, pets and aquatics, toys and games, stylish gift departments, as well as leading restaurants and Farm Foodhalls, specialising in local produce.
About Episys Limited
Episys is a global information technology solutions and services company to the retail, manufacturing, logistics, chemical, healthcare and public service sector industries. We provide expertise, products, services and support for signage, labelling and mobile systems.
Episys works with strategic business partners worldwide and with a range of leading technology manufacturers, enabling us to provide solutions to meet each unique business need - from integrated signage systems for major worldwide retailers to specialist labels for food manufacturing.
Episys retail clients include The Home Depot, Sears Holdings Corporation, John Lewis Partnership, Marks & Spencer, Fortnum & Mason, Comet, B&Q, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Pets at Home, Wm Morrison Supermarkets, Halfords and Jessops.