GLOBAL POINT-OF-SALE SYSTEM LAUNCHES IN CANADA

Photo: (L-R) Steve Devantier & Mike Berkenpas, Local Ride.  Jordan Shih (Software Programmer) & Timothy Jang (Software Designer), Giant Inc-Taiwan.  Bryan Kao (GM) & David Chao (Project Manager), Giant Canada.  Barry Lyster (Owner), Local Ride.

Giant Bicycle Canada is proud to announce the successful launch of its bicycle retail ‘Point-of-Sale’ system at British Columbia’s Local Ride Bike Shop. The system is a test-pilot project and is the first of its kind to launch globally from Giant Bicycle.

Barry Lyster, owner of the Maple Ridge-based store, states “I’m honoured for our shop to have been chosen as the first in the world to help develop this new system for Giant dealers worldwide. It’s going to make transactions quicker and easier, it’s going to give us instant inventory updates from Giant Bicycles. Plus, from a shop perspective, it will reduce time spent on inventory management; it will reduce paperwork, and give us more time to ride our bikes.”

Giant has previously developed ‘POS’ software for use in the Taiwan marketplace however the new system launched at Local Ride has been enhanced to meet the needs of Canadian retailers. To achieve that, Giant software designer Timothy Jang, and programmer Jordan Shih, were transplanted from Giant’s Global Head Office in Taiwan to work alongside Giant Canada’s Project Manager David Chao and General Manager Bryan Kao. The team sought direct input from Lyster and his staff in order to develop the software with its focus entirely on the retailer’s needs.

“Right now Giant Bicycles is transferring its focus to support the retailers,” said Kao. “Giant is the only company that provides its own bicycle specific point of sale software to its dealers. With this system, the dealer can receive product quickly and efficiently.”

The system is part of the company’s expanding Giant Retailing Partner (GRP) program and not only includes software installation but also constant maintenance and technical support. In fact, Giant Canada has gone as far as hiring its own personnel dedicated to advancing the program through Canadian retailers.

“The new system will naturally also be beneficial for Local Ride’s customers,” said Kao. “The software allows transactions to be completed very easily and quickly. If the customer would like a product that the shop does not have in stock, employees can instantly look up Giant’s inventory in real time to check the inventory as well as directly order the item and give an ETA for delivery.”

In a manner similar to that utilized in the automotive industry, the system also records detailed customer information such as bike maintenance records. Giant hopes such a feature will enable mechanics to conduct comprehensive service analysis and ultimately increase the performance and lifespan of each bicycle.