Eastman Acquisition

Pierhouse, which provides marketing management services to retailers and suppliers, has acquired instore signage solutions specialists Eastman-POS.

The acquisition enables Pierhouse to offer net.tickIT, a browser-based, best-of-breed sign and ticketing solution aimed at multiple retailers that incorporates the flexibility to print either in store or at head office, or a combination of both. The web solution provides head office with central control over POS while enabling stores to locally ticket all their promotional items. By interfacing with central merchandising systems, store-specific signage can be generated cost-effectively in line with store layouts.

Eastman-POS has supplied retailers with shelf edge and label promotional ticketing for almost 20 years. In 2006, it partnered with US technology company AccessVia, whose software is used in over 45,000 retail locations worldwide and serves customers such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Staples.  Somerfield, Mothercare UK and International, Harveys and the Co-op are among Eastman-POS UK customers.

Pierhouse clients include Waitrose, with whom it has been working for almost 20 years, as well as other large grocery formats.

Ian Hook, managing director, Pierhouse, commented:  “With net.tickIT we now have an easily scaleable solution that addresses current retail needs to improve compliance and speed of delivery to the shop floor, while eradicating the huge wastage of traditional POS print.

“As business becomes tougher, retailers will continue to look at ways to reduce operating costs as well as better support and accelerate their marketing campaigns and Corporate Social Responsibility agendas. By automating the sign and ticketing publishing element of the business, they can address all of these elements.”

Pierhouse will be demonstrating the solution at Retail Solutions (ExCel, London, 24-26 June, stand D16).