New mPOS System a 'Natural' for Common Market
The Common Market, a Frederick, Md.-based full-service grocery co-op, has improved operational efficiencies by adopting a new mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) device which enables associates to quickly check sale prices, scan items into sale worksheets and scan for shelf tags.
Now utilizing Linea Pro from Infinite Peripherals, Inc. (IPC), which is used with Catapult POS software from ECRS, along with Apple iPod touch, The Common Market's new system represents a favorable leap with a medley of enhancements from its previous handheld devices that required a stylus, which slowed productivity.
“The grocery business operates on low profit margins, so anything we can do to be efficient with labor helps us,” said Dave Campbell, brand and communications manager at The Common Market. “With the Linea Pro, we have decreased the time it takes to check sale prices every two weeks, and this helps our customers so that we are promoting items accurately. And employees love the units because they can quickly and easily scan with and operate the user-friendly touch screen.”
Moreover, added Campbell, “When our POS provider released the app we needed, we were very excited to use the mobile solution from Infinite Peripherals. It really brings greater labor efficiency to our processes, and, ultimately, enhances our customer service.”
With a staff of more than 100 and collectively owned by 4,400 individuals, The Common Market offers fresh organic produce, bulk foods, ethically raised meats, seafood, cheeses and natural groceries and wellness items. It includes a full-service deli and bakery, featuring homemade soups, baked goods, sandwiches, muffins, salads and a hot bar. The community co-op also supports sustainable agriculture, certified organic, fair trade, and local and small family farms in its buying practices. In addition, The Common Market delivers lectures, hands-on workshops, and cooking classes in its community room and supports local organizations, such as animal welfare and environmental sustainability groups, courtesy of its community donation program.
“As the first-to-market iOS peripheral barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reader, the Linea Pro is maximizing operational efficiencies and improving customer service in a variety of industries, including retail, restaurants, hospitality and more,” said Victor Bobadilla, channel development manager at Infinite Peripherals. “We often hear customer success stories, and The Common Market is another great example of the valuable power of mobility.”
Today, more than 400,000 IPC mobile peripherals are deployed in stores, restaurants, hotels and other outlets worldwide, including in 30 percent of the top 20 U.S. retailers.