Crossover Technologies have taken their mission to tackle the over-stocking of golf shops to the next level by signing up to The PGA’s official supplier programme.
The Bristol-based firm’s managing director Phil Barnard said that tens of thousands of pounds worth of unsold stock is sitting in pro shops across the British Isles and undermining PGA Professionals’ retail businesses in the process.
And this in turn could be preventing investment across the golf operation, from the shop environment itself to swing rooms and video analysis systems.
The company’s unique EPOS system has been specially developed for the pro shop environment to enable retailers to manage their stock levels and maximise their profits.
Barnard aims to raise awareness of its benefits over the course of a three-year agreement with The PGA.
“I once went into a relatively large retailer and couldn’t believe they were still using an ice cream tub at the till,” recalled Barnard, who developed his first EPOS system almost 20 years ago.
“The golf market is complicated and unique – you encounter challenges that would never be seen in most other retail environments, yet you look at even the smallest corner shop and the cashier will usually have an EPOS system. They see the value of it and PGA Professionals should too.”
Crossover Technologies was first established as a marketing consultancy for golf pros before pivoting to develop their retail system in 1996.
“What we’re looking to do is add value to the PGA Professionals’ position at their facility,” he explained.
“You see some golf shops get into a dangerous cycle where they are constantly having to put things on sale to clear out dead stock.
“What that then does is gets the customer into a habit of choosing to buy things when they are put on sale, losing the golf club and the PGA Professional money in the process.
“The system, if used properly, can put a stop to that and pay for itself in the first year. After that you have the extra money to put back into other areas of the golf operation at your club.”
Robert Maxfield, The PGA’s joint chief operating officer, commented: “We are confident our partnership with Crossover Technologies can benefit PGA Professionals across Great Britain and Ireland by helping them to equip their retail businesses for a sustainable and profitable future.
“We’re delighted to welcome them to the official supplier programme and look forward to a long and successful relationship.”
Crossover Technologies www.crossovertec.co.uk
Read more stories about Golf Management Topics and latest list of Most-read stories