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Toll Free: 1 800 725 6810
Phone: 780 449 0070
February 24, 2010
Technology changes so quickly these days. It seems every three months something new and exciting is coming out and we are all struggling to play catch up. These changes in technology also affect your POS software – are you up to date? Here are the top ten reasons why now is the time to update your hardware and possibly your POS system!
1 – New Operating Systems
We’ve all seen the commercials – Windows 7 is here and it is touted as the biggest change in the PC operating system world since the 90’s! With Windows 7 you will find using your PC becoming easier, with faster speeds to improve productivity and better compatibility with a wider range of programs. Does your current hardware or POS software meet the requirements for an upgrade to Windows 7 or is this the perfect excuse to upgrade your hardware?
2— Better technology for computers
All Point of Sale programs will have their own set of hardware requirements but one thing is for sure – all hardware is not created equal! There are POS specific computers that are more rugged and suited for the retail environment. These are NOT your regular office PC’s! They have better fans to account for the extra dust and heat from the lights in retail stores. They are also more compact all-in-one units that incorporate your cash drawer, receipt printer and scanner etc, saving valuable counter space! Many of these POS specific computers will also come with touchscreen monitors which speeds up training for staff and customer check out.
Your hardware takes a beating, running for long hours, 7 days a week, is your system up to the task? If you are running old computers your chances of a system crash increase dramatically after the three year mark. A system crash WILL cost you money in lost sales. Do you still have warranty coverage?
3— Accessibility
The cost of ownership for new technology is becoming more accessible to all retailers. Things like touchscreen monitors and inventory scanners were always on every retailers “dream list” but they were always cost prohibitive. With more competition in the market, prices have lowered, allowing everyone the opportunity to use these powerful tools.
4— Credit and Debit integration with POS and new security requirements
A hot trend for retailers these days is integrating their payment processing directly through their POS program. This speeds up transactions for customers and also eliminates cashier keying errors, saving time at cash out. Does your POS software have this capability?
Along with the integration however comes new security requirements that have been dictated by the credit card industry that will take affect mid 2010. This requires compliance by both retailers (PCI compliance) and by the POS software company (PA-DSS compliance). To find out more about these new security standards check out these links:
www.pcisecuritystandards.org/pdfs/pci_ssc_quick_guide.pdf and www.pcisecuritystandards.org/education/fact_sheets.shtml
5— Point of Sale software updates
Has your POS software been kept up to date on the lasted features and technology available? Can you modify screens to use a touchscreen monitor? Does it have a payment processing module? Does it have Windows 7 certification on its roadmap? Are you getting good support from your POS provider when issues arise?
If you haven’t seen any major changes in your POS software in years then it might be time to upgrade your POS software. With the changes in technology, there should be changes in your POS software. This is why it is so important that you have a program with Software Assurance, providing you with regular updates and new features and a strong support team to back you up.
6— New trends and Add on’s
There are many related technologies that give you more options. Some key trends that can integrate with your POS software include: security cameras, web stores, gift cards, traffic counters and credit/debit processing with chip and pin capability.
7— The Economy is changing
We have all heard the news, the economy is improving but SLOWLY. It is now more important than ever to use technology to fine tune your business. POS software will help you make better buying decisions based on your customer shopping habits, provide you with loyalty programs to bring your customers back to your store and give you valuable reports on the progress of your business.
8— Integrated marketing
Why pay an outside marketing company to provide you with valuable information that you can get from your POS program? Use the customer database to track your customers email addresses and buying habits and generate your own email blasts. Use loyalty modules to entice customers back in the store. Take advantage of the tracking options in your POS to better understand your customers.
9— The government wants you to – the Canadian Tax Benefit
The 2009 Budget proposes a temporary 100% CCA rate for computer hardware and systems software acquired after January 27th, 2009 and before February 1, 2011. In addition, the rule that restricts CCA deductions to one-half of the CCA write-off otherwise available in the first year will not apply to these computers.
Why wouldn’t you take advantage of this incentive when there are so many exciting things happening in technology right now? Get your accountant to do some homework and investigate this program further.
10— Because your competition is already doing this!!!!
Kirsten Hynds is the Western Regional Sales Manager for Canadian Retail Solutions. She brings ten years of retail experience, from the front lines to the general manager of three stores, to helping retailers find the best POS solution for their business. Canadian Retail Solutions represents three of the leading POS programs on the market: Retail Pro, CounterPoint SQL and Microsoft Dynamics RMS. For more information, visit www.retailbycrs.com or call 1.800.725.6810 for a consultation.
August 19, 2009
Since 1877, Helly Hansen has provided high quality, protective technical gear for survival, work and sport. This dynamic company concentrates on providing apparel ideal for protection in the harshest environments on the planet. Their gear is particularly useful because it is both waterproof and breathable.
According to their website, Helly Hansen’s target market is “people who work and/or play outdoors more days than they are indoors”. For the long run Helly Hansen seeks to continuously optimize the technology and design of their products. Besides being focused on providing the best protective gear, as a company Helly Hansen is particularly concerned with protecting the environment by using environmentally sound fabrics, chemicals and processes as well as using recycled packaging.
In the fall of 2007, the corporate headquarters of Helly Hansen learned that some of their franchise stores in the US and Canada were using Retail Pro with success. After meeting with Canadian Retail Solutions, Helly Hansen decided to try out one pilot store during the busiest winter season in Vancouver and use Retail Pro. If that implementation went smoothly, Retail Pro was to be their choice Point of Sale solution. In the spring of 2008, after a successful winter season, CRS began “phase two” which included replacing 2 other independent POS systems in the rest of the corporately owned US and Canadian stores.
Scott Smith, General Manager of Canadian Retail Solutions explains “Helly Hansen required a point of sale solution which could be implemented globally. The Helly Hansen relationship has and continues to be a true testament to the relevance and effectiveness of the Retail Pro software suite as an international product. At Canadian Retail Solutions we have always been committed to the localization of this software to ensure it continues to be the leading edge point of sale solution in Canada. Knowing we are supported by multiple business partners with that same drive around the world along with a truly amazing project management group at Retail Pro has made all the difference with this Helly Hansen project.”
Since the initial installation in 2007, Helly Hansen has installed 20 stores globally with the Retail Pro version 8.52, and each are in the process of implementing a v9 server in the backend, as well as Business Intelligence, in order for their main corporate office in Norway to oversee what is taking place in each store with ease. In the future, Helly Hansen plans on upgrading to v9 on the front end. Initially Retail Pro business partner Canadian Retail Solution were contacted by Helly Hansen and eventually more international Retail Pro business partners throughout the world were called on to install exactly the same Retail Pro solution. Each partner was called on to install Retail Pro in each countries’ native language, while also meeting essential localization requirements. CSC, a Retail Pro business partner in Italy, opened up the Helly Hansen Courmayeur store and then handed over the baton to Retail Store Scandinavia who opened up the stores in Sweden and Oslo.
Scott L Sutherland, Director of Finance Helly Hansen North America states, “After reviewing the market options for a retail point of sale system it was clear that Retail Pro would provide Helly Hansen with the highest level of support and ease of use for our stores in North America and Europe. Retail Pro’s business partner network has worked with us through every phase of our worldwide implementation. Helly Hansen has implemented Retail Pro in the United States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and Switzerland. At each stop along the way the Helly Hansen implementation team has been supported by the Retail Pro business partner network with responsive and consistent support.”
On the surface it might seem as if Retail Pro and Helly Hansen are two very different businesses linked by a technological solution. But look a little deeper and it becomes evident that they might not be so different- both are globally driven by world market needs, both represent the toughest and most robust solution, and both pride themselves on being ahead of the game both technologically and design wise.
July 20, 2009
Retail Pro International, LLC Announces New CEO
FOLSOM, Calif. (July 15, 2009) Retail Pro International, LLC is pleased to
announce the appointment of Kerry Lemos as Chief Executive Officer.
As CEO, Kerry will be responsible for the vision, direction and expansion
of Retail Pro International, LLC. Kerry is a recognized leader in the
application software industry, with more than 20 years experience
working with companies such as Sage Software, Hotel Information
Systems, Avantos, and Kadiri. Within these diverse organizations,
Kerry has created, developed and optimized channel distribution
strategies, resulting in superior customer service and increased
productivity. Living abroad and engineering joint venture projects
in The People’s Republic of China, Mexico, Brazil and Europe, Kerry
is also a veteran of international business. Kerry’s overall experience,
especially within the retail and hospitality industries, will certainly
compliment the Retail Pro global channel partner network. “I’m excited
about Retail Pro’s potential and I’m looking forward to being a catalyst
for its future growth,” said Lemos. “We have a prestigious customer base,
a global network of retail savvy channel partners, a proven product, and
an experienced and skilled employee team – all the ingredients we need
for unbridled success.”
About Retail Pro International, LLC
Retail Pro International, LLC, is a global leader in Point of Sale, Store
Operations, and Back-Office software applications for the specialty retail
industry. It is a wholly-owned company of Valens Offshore SPV II, Corp.,
managed by Valens Capital Management LLC; Calliope Capital Corporation,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. (In Liquidation) and
managed by Laurus Capital Management, LLC; and Midsummer Investments,
Ltd., managed by Midsummer Management LLC. With 90 offices across 47
countries, Retail Pro’s network of affiliates provides local support and service
for its worldwide customer base in the customer’s local language and
time-zone. Retail Pro International, LLC hopes to build on the over 20 years
that the legacy Retail Pro® solution has helped retailers achieve their full
potential by using its feature rich, scalable, and reliable retail store management
system. More than 35,000 retail stores in 63 countries using 18 different
languages trust Retail Pro® to manage their operations; from single stores
to prestigious, multi-national retailers, Retail Pro is the proven global solution for
serious retailers worldwide. For more information, please visit The Retail Pro Website.
July 19, 2009
Retail Pro International, LLC Acquires Assets of Retail Pro, Inc.
FOLSOM, Calif. (July 15, 2009) Retail Pro International, LLC announced
today that it has acquired the assets of Retail Pro, Inc. (on June 25th,
2009.) Retail Pro® is a leading software solution for specialty retailers,
represented by a global channel partner network whose 90 local
offices span 47 countries. With over 8,000 customers operating more
than 35,000 retail stores in 63 countries worldwide, Retail Pro’s market
position is unrivaled by any of its competitors. Effective immediately,
the new corporate headquarters address is:
Retail Pro International, LLC
400 Plaza Drive, Suite 200
Folsom, California USA 95630
916–605-7200
http://www.retailpro.com
Kerry Lemos, chief executive officer added, “We are very pleased with
this acquisition. The financial backing and confidence of our investors
provides us with a solid foundation as we acquire the tremendous assets
of the Retail Pro® brand and many of the key employees from Retail Pro,
Inc. We will focus on product development of the acquired assets and customer
satisfaction throughout the transition process with an emphasis on research
and development. New senior management has been hired. We will continue
with what prior ownership was implementing regarding the delivery of key
product enhancements that were announced at the global customer
conference last fall. For example, updates to both of our most popular platforms
– Retail Pro version 8 and Retail Pro version 9 are complete. These new
releases provide PCI compliance and other important features desired by
today’s retailers.” “As an investor in Retail Pro International, we appreciate
the continued support from Retail Pro’s customers and channel partners,
and look forward to a successful and profitable relationship as Retail Pro
International builds the Retail Pro brand on a global basis,” added
Patrick Regan, Senior Managing Director of Laurus Capital Management/Valens
Capital Management, investment manager to Calliope Capital Corporation and
Valens Offshore SPV II, Corp., respectively.
About Retail Pro International, LLC
Retail Pro International, LLC, is a global leader in Point of Sale, Store Operations,
and Back- Office software applications for the specialty retail industry. It is a
wholly-owned company of Valens Offshore SPV II, Corp., managed by Valens
Capital Management LLC; Calliope Capital Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. (In Liquidation) and managed by Laurus Capital
Management, LLC; and Midsummer Investments, Ltd., managed by Midsummer
Management LLC. With 90 offices across 47 countries, Retail Pro’s network of
affiliates provides local support and service for its worldwide customer base in
the customer’s local language and time-zone. Retail Pro International, LLC
hopes to build on the over 20 years that the legacy Retail Pro® solution has
helped retailers achieve their full potential by using its feature rich, scalable,
and reliable retail store management system. More than 35,000 retail stores
in 63 countries using 18 different languages trust Retail Pro® to manage their
operations; from single stores to prestigious, multi-national retailers, Retail Pro
is the proven global solution for serious retailers worldwide. For more information,
please visit www.retailpro.com.
About Laurus Capital Management/Valens Capital Management
Laurus Capital Management/Valens Capital Management are each New York
City-based investment advisory firms which manage a family of hedge funds
which are focused on making investments in primarily micro-cap public and
private companies seeking growth capital. Valens Capital Management/Laurus
Capital Management collectively have approximately $1.5 billion in assets
under management as of September 30, 2008, and is led by co-founders and fund
managers Eugene Grin and David Grin. More information on can be found at
www.valensfunds.com
March 26, 2009
There are tons of new features on the New CRS Platinum Members site
CRS is excited to announce a new and improved Platinum Support Members web site. This site will contain many great tools and products to assist your business like…
- Training Videos
– Core Updates and Software
– A User Forum
– A Knowledge Base
– Bonus Reports
To register and get started with this great new tool,
Go to http://member.retailbycrs.com and click on the word Register directly below. You will be prompted with a form to enter your details and send registration. Once we receive your submission our team will verify your Platinum membership status and you will be able to enter the site and access these helpful tools!
Not a Platinum Support Member?
No problem! Contact CRS Client Services at 780 499 0070 or info@retailbycrs.com to learn more about the benefits of this valuable retail investment.
March 26, 2009
CRS is excited to announce its partnership with Business Improvement Solutions by introducing its BIStrainer product line.
BIStrainer is dedicated to helping organizations achieve outstanding results through the development and training of their teams. We do this through e-training, an affordable solution that allows your company to overcome the challenges of time and distance. E-training is a great way for you to maintain exceptional levels of communication, knowledge, and efficiency through all levels and branches of your organization.
As you are well aware, retail is one of the toughest businesses around. In today’s difficult marketplace you need to ensure your business remains competitive and profitable. BIS training will save you thousands of dollars and help to ensure your staff is performing to the best of their abilities. BIStraining cannot be found in stores and it’s available to our Platinum clients free of charge; another exciting benefit to being a part of the Platinum Support Benefit program.
Not a Platinum Support Member?
No problem! Contact CRS Client Services at 780 499 0070 or info@retailbycrs.com to learn more about the benefits of this valuable retail investment.
December 4, 2008
Canadian Retail Solutions, Inc. (CRS) announces the expansion of its Point of Sale (POS) product line to include Counterpoint, an integrated POS system developed by the industry-leading Radiant Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: RADS).
“As the only nationwide dealer in Canada to provide Counterpoint, we are excited to see many operational benefits such as increased ability to work from a consultative position; matching our clients’ needs to the software that’s right for them,” said Shawn Dillon, Operations Manager at CRS. “Adopting Counterpoint allows us to effectively increase customization and elevate the level of service; ultimately it will enhance the overall customer experience for our clients.”
Counterpoint allows retailers to increase revenue through extremely reliable and easy to use profit-growing features. Counterpoint is fully customizable to virtually any retail vertical, it is backed by hands-on personalized training and service, and it is a remarkably affordable investment.
“Counterpoint is an exciting addition to CRS’s expanding product line,” said Scott Smith, General Manager at CRS. “By working closely with our clients to best understand their needs, the custom solutions we provide better equip the operators to harness the power of the hardware and software for their business. Counterpoint provides our clients with an integrated solution for efficiently managing inventory control, sales tracking, purchase ordering, customer data and a host of additional features.”
About Canadian Retail Solutions, Inc.
Headquartered in Edmonton, Canada, Canadian Retail Solutions, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest providers of innovative POS solutions to small and mid-sized Canadian retailers operating in a multi-store environment. For nearly two decades, CRS‘s leading point of sale hardware, software and inventory control solutions have helped many leading national retail chains such as Oakley, Helly Hansen, Swarovski, and Hockey Life provide amazing customer experiences. The retail solutions provider has managed thousands of installations for many unique environments including retail stores, boutiques, parks, arenas, stadiums, cinemas, convenience stores, fuel centers and other customer-service venues. CRS offers System Consultation, Sales, Training, and Technical Support and it has Sales and Technical representation in Vancouver, Toronto, and Edmonton with additional representation opening soon in Montreal, Quebec.
Contact: Shawn Dillon
+1 800 725 6810 ext. #101
shawn@retailbycrs.com
October 28, 2008
Our goal at Canadian Retail Solutions is to keep you aware of major breakthroughs that can help you grow your retail business. Therefore, I want to invite you to a very special 90-minute FREE Webinar featuring Customer Loyalty Marketing expert Rory Fatt.
The event is absolutely free (except for long distance charges) but you must register to lock-in your spot and get the special phone number and internet link to watch the presentation live.
The lines can only hold 50 retailers so if you want in – click below immediately to register:
The webinar will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2008
At 10:00 am Pacific (11:00 am, 12:00 Noon Central, 1:00 pm Eastern)
Register at: http://www.retaildiscovery.com/crs
You Will Get The Phone Number And Webinar Link Emailed To You Immediately.
You definitely won’t want to miss this call if you’re at all interested in learning about a new discovery that PUTS MORE CUSTOMERS IN YOUR STORE (S)…almost automatically.
On this special one-time call, I’ve arranged for Rory Fatt, a celebrated Retail business building consultant to reveal a brand new program that is working like crazy for Retailers.
Already over 600 businesses including retailers in small towns, big cities, single store and multi-store retailers all over the country are using this program with remarkable results.
Please rest assured, even though we are NOT charging admission for this call – you will not be under any obligation to buy anything. In fact, you couldn’t buy anything if you wanted to.
I guarantee you will find the information you receive on this call to be invaluable to you and your business.
Why are we making this call available to you for FR*EE?
Simple…our goal at Canadian Retail Solutions is to be a leader in the marketplace, one way we set ourselves apart by keeping you aware of major breakthroughs that can help you grow your retail business.
Don’t wait!
While it’s fresh in your mind, go reserve your slot right here:
http://www.retaildiscovery.com/crs
Just another was CRS is dedicated to growing your business!
October 21, 2008
CRS Announces the GiveXpress Gift Card Program
The GiveXpress Card Program is a perfect way to start your gift card program with ease and simplicity. The GiveXpress gift card package allows you to choose the quantity you wish to order, select a card from a variety of designs and personalize it with your text and logo.
GiveXpress is a rapidly deployed gift card program for first-time gift card issuers and small merchants that require reliable and easy to learn gift card services.
By acquiring the GiveXpress quick-start program you will:
* Encourage your customers to come back
* Build brand awareness and strengthen customer relationships
* Increase quick turn-around revenue with gift card sales
Call our sales hotline and ask for more information from one of our Gift Card experts 1–800-725–6810 or complete your enquiry on our contact page.
May 28, 2008
New Radiant Retail Channel Partner
Radiant Systems is very pleased to welcome Canadian Retail Solutions to our Partner Community. Canadian Retail Solutions (CRS) specializes in Point of Sale (POS) and Inventory Control Systems for small to mid-sized Canadian retailers operating in a multi-store environment. As one of the largest Canadian provider of POS solutions CRS has been providing System Consultation, Sales, Training, and Technical Support to retail businesses in a wide variety of merchandise categories since 1991. CRS currently has Sales and Technical representation in Vancouver, Toronto, and Edmonton with additional representation opening soon in Montreal Quebec.
May 15, 2008
Retail Pro has just announced the venue and dates for its eagerly awaited Global User Conference. This years event will be held at the amazing HARD ROCK HOTEL in San Diego CA. The event begins with a reception on Sunday September 14th and concludes on Tuesday September 16th.
A tentative itinerary has been announced, but may be subject to change…
- User Registration and Breakfast
- Conference Kick-Off: Introductions to the Retail Pro team/Corporate update
- Trends in Retail (Key Note Speaker)
- Product Roadmap
- Support Plus Programs and Updates
- Retail Pro V9 Custom Plug-In’s and Migration Overview
- CIO Speaker
- Reports Update
- Retail Pro Technology Update: Now, Near, Next
- Breakfast
- One on One Interview with Current Customer
- Retail Pro Payment Solutions
- Customer Panel: 3 verticals, 3 different implementations
- Retail Pro Business Intelligence
- Synaro WebStore
- Oracle Relationship Update
- Localizations for RP9
- New Training Courses and Training Updates
- Conference Wrap Up
Cost of the event for Retail Pro Customers will be…
$525 USD for the first attendee
$325 USD for any additional attendee ( Same Company )
*** A 10% discount will apply to all who register before June 30th 2008.
For more information as it becomes avaliable please contact our Client Services department at 1–800-725–6810 or e-mail info@crsretailpro.com or register directly at http://www.retailpro.com/2008uc
February 1, 2008
Canadian Retail Solutions and Givex have teamed up to offer a gift card solution to all our customers. This gift-card program is a simple and effective way to increase your sales. Many of our customers have experienced an increase of up to 90% in gift certificate sales as a result!
How does it work?
* Gift cards can be branded with your logo or design.
* Denominations can be ‘pre-set,’ or ‘flexible,’ or a combination of both.
* Activation and redemption occur through POS key-entering, magnetic card reader, bar-code reader, telephone or web interface.
* Cards can be re-used and customer can add value to their card in-store or online.
Who is Givex?
The Givex Corporation is a premiere gift card and loyalty program transaction processor featuring:
* Real-time transaction processing
* Integration with your Retail Pro POS system
* In-store, online and IVR (Integrated Voice Response) transactions
* Reduced fraud and duplicate use
* Declining and reloadable card balances
* Pre-determined or flexible card value
* SKU-based loyalty
Learn more about the CRS Gift Card program.
Find out how CRS can help raise your bottom line – contact us today!
Read other newsworthy items by clicking a link below:
January 1, 2008
What are the advantages of Retail Pro® 9?
Retail Pro’s new 9 Series advancements represent the most significant and monumental progression in our application suite in nearly two years. Series 9 contains an amazing wealth of powerful new features and functionality, many of which were developed from the input of actual Retail Pro end users, along with industry proven best practices.
Most notable is the new inclusion of the Oracle based platform, a superior architecture delivering maximum performance and scalability not before achievable. The relational database can scale virtually without limits as a business grows.
Retail Pro Version 9.1 introduces powerful new point of sale features and enhancements, including the integration of payment authorization services directly into Retail Pro. Version 9.1 is also more easily configured to work with specific hardware devices used at the point of sale.
Details of the new features of Retail Pro® Version 9.1 include:
All Modules Necessary for Store Operations in One System
Multi-currency, multi-language
Architecture
Communication Using ECM
September 27, 2007
We’ve upgraded our Web site to better serve you. It’s now easier to find the POS programs that match your retail needs by utilizing the many resources and tools at your fingertips.
*Up-to-date information on the industry-leading Retail Pro® and Microsoft RMS technologies
*Tips to help you avoid many of the common mistakes made by retailers
*Tools to make the decision making process easier for you
*Contests
*Highlighted media stories
And More!
To ensure your online experience is optimized, we have a few recommendations.
This site is best viewed at 1024×768 resolution or higher.
Windows
CRSRetailPro.com requires Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Netscape Navigator 6.0 or higher, Opera 6.0 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox.
Macintosh
CRSRetailPro.com requires Safari, Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2 or higher, or Netscape Navigator 6.0 or higher.
Canadian Retail Solutions strives to make its products and services, including its Web site, accessible for all users, including people with disabilities. This Web site, complies with federal regulations on accessibility standards for electronic and information technology.
September 1, 2007
Don’t miss this opportunity to attend the User Conference in La Jolla, California to see what is new with Retail Pro. As the thought leader in specialty retail for over 20 years, Retail Pro is constantly evolving to help your retail business run more profitably and achieve impressive returns on your technology investments. Read more…
Retail Pro Partner Conference
October 12 -14, 2007
User Conference
October 14 – 16, 2007
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
La Jolla, California
August 21, 2007
VAUGHAN, ON, Aug. 21 /CNW/ – On Thursday, August 23, the puck will drop at Vaughan Mills for the grand opening of Pro Hockey Life, the largest hockey specialty store in Canada. With over 30,000 square feet of space, fans of Canada’s favourite pastime will have the largest selection of equipment and products to choose from.
“Pro Hockey Life is an exciting opportunity to change the hockey retailing market in Canada. We want to present consumers, whether male, female, professional or amateur, with all of the gear they could ever possibly need, all under one roof,” said Gilbert Rousseau, CEO and President of Pro
Hockey Life. “Consumers will no longer have to travel from one general sports outlet to another to find appropriate hockey equipment.”
The interactive, mega store will bring “shoppertainment” to the hockey consumer, separating itself from the current selection of hockey retailers. Players will be given the opportunity to test skates on Pro Hockey Life’s indoor “synthetic ice,” to get a sense and feel of the equipment before committing to a purchase.
Pro Hockey Life is also one of the few locations in Canada to feature the “RapidShot” training system where players have a chance to improve their shooting skills. With computerized technology, “RapidShot” offers customers feedback on every shot regarding accuracy, speed and reaction time.
Breadth and depth of product selection will truly be unmatched: for example, the store will carry over 14,000 sticks and 5,000 pairs of skates in stock, with over 1,000 different model/size combinations in both categories.
With equipment for players of all ages and levels, consumers will be able to find what they are looking for. Whether it’s skates, sticks, protective equipment, accessories or performance apparel – Pro Hockey Life will carry everything hockey from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Pro Hockey Life also recognizes the large and growing number of Canadian women dedicated to hockey and will stock products designed specifically for them. Rousseau said “but don’t look for women’s gear in a separate section; at Pro Hockey Life, we cater to one clientele: hockey enthusiasts – period.”
The launch of the hockey specialty retailing chain is the result of a partnership between Sports Gilbert Rousseau, a group of private equity investors led by Champlain Financial Corporation, as well as with Jack Steckel, a founding member of Golf Town and Capital Canada Limited, an independent investment banking firm.
“We believe Pro Hockey Life is the largest concept of its kind in the world and are very excited to be able to combine an interactive shopping experience with all of the equipment any hockey enthusiast could ever need,” said Jack Steckel, Capital Canada Limited.
The grand opening of Pro Hockey Life will also be attended by a few of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will be signing autographs and may be testing their shots with the “RapidShot” system.
Alexei Ponikarovsky
Toronto Maple Leafs
1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Brought by Nike Bauer Hockey
Carlo Colaiacovo
Toronto Maple Leafs
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Brought by Nike Bauer Hockey
Alex Steen
Toronto Maple Leafs
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Brought by CCM/RBK
Al Iafrate
Former Toronto Maple Leafs
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Brought by Warrior Hockey
Sports Gilbert Rousseau was established 30 years ago in Montreal, Quebec. Since its inception, Sports Rousseau has established a reputation as the premiere hockey retailer in Canada. Pro Hockey Life at Vaughn Mills is the first of Sports Rousseau’s stores in their new hockey speciality chain, Pro Hockey Life.
Vaughan Mills is the first enclosed shopping centre built in Canada in more than 16 years, located just north of downtown Toronto at Hwy 400 and Rutherford Road. This 250 store mecca combines fashion, outlets, dining and entertainment. Many are the first of their kind in Canada, including; Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, NASCAR SpeedPark, Lucky Strike Lanes, Designer Depot, the world’s largest Tommy Hilfiger Outlet, Holt Renfrew Last Call and the First in Canada and Largest in the World Pro Hockey Life!
For further information: Julie Bellissimo at (416) 848–1462 or jbellissimo@national.ca
August 16, 2007
Canadian Retail Solutions has partnered with Tender Retail and Moneris to provide new and innovative, state-of-the-art payment processing software for your business operations.
This exciting new product allows you to:
* Seamlessly integrate between your Retail Pro® POS system and the Moneris Payment Processing Service to complete Debit and Credit Card transactions in mere seconds
* Reduce bank equipment costs with top quality pin pad technology provided by Moneris
* Produce simplified receipts from one printer
* Eliminate double entry errors that your accounting and management team spend valuable time chasing
* And use the optional Gift Card functionality with the Givex gift card and customer loyalty system
Now available in Canada for all Retail Pro® users, this comprehensive new product is being offered at a one-time low installation price with an optional annual maintenance fee…which means no additional transaction fees for your business!
At CRS, we are committed to finding solutions that will lead to greater success for you and your business.
If you would like to learn how to save money, improve your efficiency, and enhance your business operations, please contact us today! A member of our sales team will be happy to discuss the significant advantages of this integrated payment processing solution!
Read other newsworthy items by clicking a link below:
August 16, 2007
When Arts and Exhibitions – the organization behind the eagerly awaited Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibit – selected a retail Point of Sale (POS) system provider, they chose Canadian Retail Solutions (CRS), the reputable Canadian company that had given them success with previous exhibits… and it has certainly paid off.
“When we brought Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs back to North America, we knew the gift shop operation was going to be very complex,” says Curtis Bechdel of Arts and Exhibitions. “We had a great experience with CRS, who helped us select the Retail Pro® POS program when we began the touring exhibition commemorating the life of Princess Diana in 2003. Although we knew our new exhibit would be even more elaborate, we had complete confidence in the CRS Team and Retail Pro® to meet our needs.”
The retail store at the King Tut Exhibit opened in Los Angeles on June 15, 2005, to a record opening month of over $2,000,000 in retail sales. “On opening day, the sales were so numerous, that we quickly realized we needed four additional stations!”
In record time, the CRS technical team delivered the stations and converted all of the systems to the proper network servers, located in both our Ohio and Los Angeles offices,” explained Bechdel. “The change literally happened overnight and the service was a real testament to the flexibility and attention to detail I have grown accustomed to in dealing with CRS.”
Specializing not only in sales, consultation, training and technical support for both the Retail Pro® and Microsoft RMS POS systems, CRS is also dedicated to providing other integrated retail solutions such as e-commerce, security, and automatic web back up.
“I was so impressed with the attention to detail that my account manager at CRS and the rest of the technical team paid to my business,” said Bechdel. “It is for this reason that I have continued using CRS for other projects, including our seamlessly integrated web store: www.kingtut.org which has brought another stream of income to our business; as well as a security system to protect the ancient artifacts of the King Tut exhibit.
“We strive to create lasting partnerships with our clients,” says Scott Smith, General Manager of CRS, “and our customers appreciate the focus we place on streamlining their retail processes. Our job is not finished once a POS system is in place, in fact, that is only the beginning. Our signature platinum support program ensures continued support and assistance to our clients, and helps them realize their goals and protect their investment in a professional, cost-effective way.”
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