IT giant strengthens retail presence with expansion of retail business unit and launch of touch-enabled point-of-sale system for retail stores   In an effort to build on its strong retail solutions portfolio, HP today made a series of product and personnel announcements as part of a worldwide expansion of its retail solutions business.

IT giant strengthens retail presence with expansion of retail business unit and launch of touch-enabled point-of-sale system for retail stores

In an effort to build on its strong retail solutions portfolio, HP today made a series of product and personnel announcements as part of a worldwide expansion of its retail solutions business.

The IT giant today announced the launch of a new touch-enabled HP ap5000 all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) system, which will lead the roll out of an extended portfolio of HP retail solutions that will be made available across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

HP said the ap5000 is a compact system designed to maximise workspace and is built to handle the rigorous demands of retail environments. Its space-saving design requires only one power outlet, reducing cable clutter and making it ideal for retailers requiring a sleek design for customer-facing areas, such as hospitality and specialty retail environments. The system includes a central processing unit, touch-enabled display, magnetic stripe reader and two-line customer display.

Positioning to capitalise on recovery

“Addressing customer preferences, HP has expanded its retail store portfolio with an all-in-one product and solution that provides increased flexibility and results for a variety of business market segments,” said Kobi Elbaz, HP’s director of Client Solutions and Workstations Business Unit in EMEA. “As the retail market recovers from economic hard times, HP has incorporated a broad retail product portfolio to best meet changing customer needs.”

Pricing for the HP ap5000 all-in-one PoS system is available through HP partners and it is expected to be available worldwide in late March.

The company announced a new global executive lead for its recently created Retail Store Global Business Unit, as well as the creation of dedicated leadership and sales teams in the EMEA region.

Expanded commitment to retail

The company also said it plans to significantly expand its reseller, integrator and independent software vendor (ISV) partner base in EMEA in conjunction with the new retail product roll outs.

As part of a worldwide strengthening of its retail business efforts, HP also announced that Ray Carlin is joining its retail team as vice president of the Retail Store Solutions Global Business Unit. With more than 30 years of retail experience, Carlin is responsible for the global business unit and is focused on the retail point of sale market worldwide.

Carlin brings significant retail product and partner network experience and expertise to HP. His previous leadership positions include president and chief executive officer of StoreNext Retail Technologies and executive vice president of Retalix US, which provides technology for grocery and convenience stores. Carlin also spent 20 years at NCR, where he held various roles, culminating as senior vice president of the Americas region.

“HP provides innovative technology that helps retailers better serve customers and their bottom line,” said Carlin. “I’m looking forward to bringing my leadership and technology expertise to HP as the company strengthens its investment in the retail industry.”

Reconfigured salesforce targets region

In EMEA, HP added that its retail business efforts will be supported by a newly appointed sales team and will make use of the current HP Personal Systems Group (PSG) salesforce coverage and presence in the market. The Retail PoS Business will become part of the Client Solutions Business unit in PSG.

“The EMEA region is of key importance to us as we expand our investment in the retail sector,” added Elbaz. “We have listened to customers across the region and we are boosting HP’s investment in terms of business leadership, reseller support and new product roll-outs as customers deepen their focus on employee productivity and in-store customer experience.”

“HP is perhaps the only technology company playing offence in retail right now,” commented Greg Buzek, founder and president of IHL Consulting Group. “The company continues to increase its investment in retail, particularly in the store, by bringing in new personnel and experienced industry leaders.”