The open API allows integrating Retail Pro Prism with other software applications, such as e-commerce platforms. Our plans are to have an online store. Retail Pro Prism will make it easy to keep track of inventory; our customers will be able to see if an item is out of stock, or if their items are ready for pick up.

- Ed Terry, CEO

How Kelleys Island General Store is streamlining operations and improving inventory efficiency with Retail Pro Prism

About Kelley’s Island General Store.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Kelleys Island, OH, Kelleys Island General Store stands as a cherished, family-owned retail establishment that serves both the local community and the influx of tourists who flock to the beautiful shores of Lake Erie. Our mission is to provide a delightful shopping experience by offering a wide array of one-of-a-kind gifts, memorable souvenirs, and essential travel essentials.

Operating within a seasonal framework, our store comes alive from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, during which we witness a bustling and vibrant atmosphere. To meet the demands of this high-energy period, we employ a dedicated team of seasonal staff who quickly adapt to their roles and ensure smooth operations.

In order to optimize our resources, we have implemented an innovative supply chain system that addresses the challenges posed by the premium cost of prime downtown real estate. By renting off-island warehouse space, we can replenish our store on a daily basis while efficiently managing our operations. Our tasks encompass a multitude of intricate processes, including managing custom import orders placed well in advance, navigating through art approval workflows, and effectively handling inventory receiving, processing, and preparation. With an extensive product range sourced from hundreds of suppliers, we proudly stock thousands of custom items, each with its own unique variations.

Please share a day in the life of your role and responsibilities at the company

As the owner of a small business, my typical day is dynamic and filled with a broad array of responsibilities. Our operations are seasonal, with a considerable business influx happening between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. This cyclic rhythm dictates the business's tempo and focus - preparing for the bustling season, executing our plans, closing the season on a high note, and then gearing up for the next cycle.

I oversee all aspects of the business - from managing our supply chain and handling advance custom import orders to receiving, processing, organizing and readying our inventory. If a process is part of the business, it's something I'm actively engaged in. Despite the vast array of tasks, the ability to handle nearly everything with a single piece of software remarkably simplifies our operations, making a significant difference.

For what specific business challenges did you choose Retail Pro? What business challenges are you solving with the software today?

The process of selecting the right retail software posed challenges as we aimed to strike a balance between the robust features of our existing system, Counterpoint, and the user-friendly and modern aspects of more recent solutions. After conducting thorough evaluations of various retail Point-of-Sale systems tailored for small businesses, we ultimately chose Retail Pro Prism as our software solution. Prism emerged as the perfect choice, offering a blend of the best features from both worlds. Retail Pro brings several advantages to the table, including a locally accessible database, accessible API, and an app market. Retail Pro Prism not only meets our requirements but also provides seamless integration with different systems, eliminating any operational gaps. For example, we successfully migrated our analytics software from Counterpoint to Retail Pro Prism using the local database endpoints, allowing us to maintain familiar workflows without extensive reimagining. Apart from its functionality, Retail Pro Prism excels in its exceptional customer support provided by Big Hairy Dog. Unlike many other retail software providers, they possess a deep understanding of our unique business requirements and actively collaborate to customize Retail Pro Prism according to our specific needs. The limitations that previously hindered us when using Counterpoint no longer impede our progress thanks to Retail Pro Prism.

When was Retail Pro first implemented in your company?>

We purchased it at the end of 2021 and it was implemented in Spring of 2022.

What role does your Retail Pro play in your customer engagement strategy?

The app store within Retail Pro has proven invaluable for rapid integration of emerging technologies like RFID, allowing us to achieve real-time and accurate inventory tracking. This enhancement will significantly improve our operational efficiency, reduce loss prevention, increase visibility and elevate our customer service. We rely on hiring a significant number of seasonal employees who must quickly adapt to their roles. Retail Pro Prism is easy to use. Our team can focus on helping customers quickly rather than searching for prices of untagged items.

Retailers are striving to unify commerce. What does that mean for your company? What are you doing to unify commerce?

Unifying commerce involves bringing together different aspects of business operations, such as online and offline sales channels, inventory management systems, customer data, marketing strategies, and payment options, into a unified platform. The open API allows integrating Retail Pro Prism with other software applications, such as e-commerce platforms. Our plans are to have an online store. Retail Pro Prism will make it easy to keep track of inventory. Our customers will be able to see if an item is out of stock, or if their items are ready for pick up.

What does the future look like for your company? What are some of your plans for growth, expansion, customer initiatives, etc.?

Looking ahead we plan to utilize Retail Pro’s Prism API to integrate the customer base from a new low-speed vehicle rental segment of our business with the retail segment, creating enhanced cross-channel opportunities and a unified online experience. We are hopeful and confident that Retail Pro Prism will be able to support us in doing so.

What is the total number of stores using Retail Pro today or planning to use Retail Pro in the near future?

We have 1 location and an offsite warehouse. We will have an Ecommerce site in the near future.

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