Matalan boosts promotions after Linux upgrade

Retailer exploits open source software for added point-of-sale benefits

Retailer Matalan says it is improving sales by being able to offer more promotions following a Linux-based till upgrade.

The clothing and homeware company installed Linux-based electronic point-of-sale (Epos) technology in 190 stores earlier this year (Computing, 17 February), and following its success the firm is considering the use of handheld terminals in its shops.

By opting for Linux, the retailer has been able to re-use old till hardware, extend their functions to wireless Epos terminals, and run more customer promotions.

Matalan technical architect Gwen Dunham says the technology has allowed the company to carry out remote monitoring of live trading, while allowing tills to process a greater number of electronically-coded promotions.

‘We chose Sun Microsystems as our core technology platform, running the Solaris operating system, so Linux was a very similar fit,’ she said.

‘We are now looking at the benefits of more functional change, such as the handhelds.’