PLANO, Texas — Knowlan's Super Markets Inc., an independent grocery chain that operates Festival Foods stores in Minnesota, has tapped StoreNext Retail Technologies LLC to upgrade IT systems at four of its nine stores. Knowlan's operates six Festival Foods and two Knowlan's stores; in recent months Knowlan's has installed StoreNext's Pricer Infrared Electronic Shelf Labeling (ESL) system for pricing management and accuracy at three of its existing Festival Foods stores.
The seventh Festival Foods store will open this fall with the Pricer ESL. The independent retailer also uses StoreNext's ISS45 POS software and Fujitsu TeamPoS 2000 POS hardware.
"We were interested in upgrading our ESL system and wanted to replace it with the most competitive system available," said Ed Doud, director of retail technology for Knowlan's. "We were looking for two things: pricing accuracy and efficiency. We shopped around and StoreNext's Pricer solution impressed us the most. It offered us the best in-store ESL system — with extremely aesthetic display tags, easy-to-use, swift price changes and accurate pricing. As promised, the installation and functioning of the system has been very smooth with quick acceptance by customers and staff."
RDS, StoreNext's dealer for Minnesota and North Dakota, is working in tandem with Knowlan's on the technology rollout.
"We are seeing more independent grocers use digital technology to enhance the shopper's experience, as well as store operations," said Ray Carlin, president and chief executive officer at Plano, Texas-based StoreNext. "The Pricer ESL system offers Knowlan's a better label design, longer life and faster wireless technology for quick price changes."
Knowlan's Super Markets Inc. was founded in the early 1900s and has since expanded to nine stores. The privately held regional chain, based in the twin cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, is recognized for outstanding customer service and a wide variety of prepared, natural and organic products.
