Halfords makes decision to upgrade to newer versions of Aptos PoS, CRM and Sales Audit applications

Halfords has extended its use of Aptos software to support its customer engagement and store operations strategies. The retailer is leveraging upgraded versions of the firm’s PoS, CRM and Sales Audit applications.

“We view the customer journey in a very holistic way,” says Adam Gerrard, Chief Data & Information Officer at Halfords. “With the majority of people in the UK living in close proximity to a Halfords location, we leverage our store network to connect on a deeper level with customers through unrivalled expertise and services and an unbeatable range of products.”

“We recognise the importance of taking a digital-first approach.” Gerrard adds, “We have made it easier than ever for people to find us online, and we’ve invested in high performance websites. The greatest benefit is then linking up digital and store experiences in a way that is completely seamless for the customer.”

“For example, a customer browsing online for a product can quickly and easily arrange for Click and Collect at their local store. We view Aptos as an omnichannel technology specialist, and we are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with this firm.”

Halfords runs Aptos CRM, integrated with its PoS in its retail stores, which feeds into a group wide 360-degree view of customers. Aptos CRM plays a major part in its loyalty programme, the Halfords Motoring Club, which has over four million members.

Gerrard comments: “The Halfords Motoring Club is a key pillar of our business, offering our loyalty members greater value through exclusive benefits and personalised services. The Motoring Club also provides a platform to tightly connect our retail and services formats, facilitating cross-promotion to an engaged audience. Aptos’ PoS and CRM solutions play an important role in the success and growth of our loyalty programme.”

Aptos Sales Audit, meanwhile, is a back office tool that validates and consolidates Halfords’ transaction data.

“Halfords continues to lead in its markets through innovation and its commitment to understanding and optimising shoppers’ omnichannel journeys,” says Zaki Hassan, General Manager, EMEA and APAC, at Aptos. “We’re proud to support it in its efforts to create a store environment that is highly experiential, inspirational and service oriented.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Customer engagement was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last month’s gathering.