GNER looks to Torex Retail’s mobile EPoS platform to gain an accurate view of sales data on all trains.

GNER,, has signed a deal with leading retail technology provider Torex Retail, to supply a mobile electronic point of sale (EPoS) solution in a deal valued in excess of £2 million. With a fleet of over 40 trains, running from London King’s Cross in the South to Inverness in the North, each train will be fitted with the OSCAR EPoS platform on multiple handheld EPoS devices.

The announcement is the latest in a series of successes for Torex Retail in the transport sector where the company already supplies point of sale terminals to train operator Virgin and a number of the European Cruise and Ferry operators.

The implementation of the system will speed up transactions whilst improving the delivery of services to passengers in line with its Passengers Charter. Passengers can be served from their seat, rather than having to move to a fixed buffet car to buy food and beverages. Customers purchasing in this manner can be offered a receipt, a service designed to attract and retain business travellers and all those needing proof of purchase.

The purchase of the mobile EPoS solution (including fully integrated Chip and PIN) from Torex Retail was ultimately driven by a desire to gain an accurate view of sales levels and full control over the retail financials.  The devices offer GNER the chance to improve the integrity of stock data and therefore reduce the incidence of over or under supplying a train with any given product line. With complete visibility of every transaction made, GNER can profile each route and use the available business intelligence for effective route planning and sales forecasting.    

GNER Financial Controller Tim Kavanagh comments, “I am excited about the potential the mobile EPoS platform has to extend and refine the services we offer to customers traveling on the East Coast Main Line. The decision we have taken to upgrade our EPoS system is further proof of GNER’s dedication to implement technology that will improve the overall passenger experience and is demonstrable evidence of how we are leading the field in terms of customer service.”

Kavanagh concludes by commenting on the relationship with Torex Retail, “We have purchased OSCAR to fulfill our obligation to both our business and our customers and have been impressed with the way the team at Torex Retail has approached this remit. We enjoy a good working relationship with the team and hope to continue to extend this in the future with Torex as a strategic IT partner.”

Commenting on the decision to award the contract, Torex Retail’s UK Sales Director John Little said, “The opportunities presented to GNER by the rollout of the OSCAR system are both varied and exciting. I am confident that the deal will enable GNER to provide excellent customer service whilst promoting cost savings by improving stock information. “