The Partner Pavilion
Retail Tech, Inc. – Customer Driven, Focused on Growth, bring Partnership and Value to the Retail Members of IBM Retail User Group.
By: Steve Biccum, Retail Tech, Inc. an Associate Member, IBM Retail User Group
In this issue of the POST, the “Partner Pavilion” is pleased to highlight Retail Tech; one of the long term associate members of the IBM Retail User Group. It is fitting and appropriate the User Group highlight the contribution of the associate members to the success and longevity of the organization. Today, Steven Biccum, Marketing and Sales Support Director, Retail Tech, Inc. serves as an associate director on the IRUG board. Over the years, as the organization grew, their focus broadened to include the diversified POS and in-store platforms. It was this diversification, and the introduction and inclusion of associate members like Retail Tech that broadened IRUG’s contribution to total retail solution. Today IBM retail business partners like Retail Tech comprise a large segment of the membership.
Committed from the Start
For the team at Retail Tech, the focus has always been on customer service. From the time Bob Spinner and Cindy Bauer, two industry-focused entrepreneurs, had the idea to begin a point-of-sale (POS) company offering a low-cost alternative to new POS equipment and parts, they had their mission in mind: to provide quality, low-cost hardware solutions with a rapid response. That mission, customer commitment and incredible level of service has allowed Retail Tech to evolve into a full-service POS company. Comprising more than 100 years of industry experience amongst the team, Retail Tech’s customers are receiving a level of service and support that enables them to be successful and economically stable. Retail Tech’s objective is simple: to provide quality IBM pointof-sale equipment to its customers. An objective every member of the Retail Tech teams takes to heart.
Growth, Expansion Bring Continued Success
To be sure, Retail Tech’s growth in the industry has been significant – that team of two has grown to include more than 40 dedicated employees, focused on delivering sales, financing, marketing and technical support to customers in the retail, supermarket, hospitality, and food service industries, while also providing POS parts and depot repairs and maintenance parts acquisition and sales. And what was a 15,000-squarefoot facility in the beginning has grown to 220,000-square-feet. Retail Tech takes the security of its facility very seriously, having implemented a comprehensive access control system complete with badge readers, guest escorts and vendor badges, as well as a monitoring system that includes video surveillance and off-hour security systems. Additionally, the company has instituted an asset security system, protecting all data, including its RTI IT systems and requiring user authorization. Through its continued and consistent growth, Retail Tech has been able to expand its business base, by adding new business segments, such as supermarkets and specialty stores. This enhanced focus allows Retail Tech’s customers to broaden their technology offerings to ensure they are equipped with a POS solution that can help them be more efficient. As a strategic IBM Business Partner, Retail Tech is able to outfit its customers with new hardware solutions, helping them to extend their current offerings and fulfilling any new requirements. Retail Tech provides upgrades to its customers’ base units and peripherals. Retail Tech is continuously looking at ways to enhance its own offering by partnering with other IBM Business Partners to deliver hardware, software and services. This enables both partners to grow their business, focus on their core competencies and ensure the retailers’ needs are met.
New Relationships, Great Opportunities
Retail Tech’s business has been transformed due to its unique relationship with IBM. In 2002, Retail Tech was awarded the IBM/IGF (IBM Global Financing) POS Consignment Vendor contract. Further proof of Retail Tech’s commitment to IBM and its customers, is the number of certifications the company holds, including IBM Maintenance and IBM Authorized Warranty Service Provider (POS). Retail Tech is a member of RSPA, the Retail Solutions Provider Association, as well as a Symbol/Motorola Business Partner, Epson Envision VAR/Top Tier Partner and an authorized Panasonic Reseller. Retail Tech is an IBM Business Partner and sells all of the current Retail Store Solution POS products. Retail Tech was awarded the IBM Market Growth Achievement Award in 2007 and in 2008 The Sales Leadership Award, underscoring its dedication to growth, superior service and support.
Strong Partnerships Bring Continued Growth
While the economy has certainly hit the industry hard, the need for superior products, service and support remains unchanged. To that end, Retail Tech has not waivered in its delivery of industry-leading products, services and solutions. By listening to its customers and meeting their needs, Retail Tech has not only continued to grow, it has actually strengthened its relationships with its customers. No doubt, strong partnerships and established relationships bring success to all involved. It is the involvement and support of associate members like Retail Tech and many others that bring value and benefit to the retail members of IRUG.
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