Nature Store

The Nature Store Hits the Cloud

The big news at the Nature Store in 2017/18 was the conversion to an internet-based point-of-sale (POS) system.  Nature Store managers have longed for a system where knowing exactly what is selling, what is already in inventory and what needs to be ordered is possible. The need for this had been discussed for years, but it took the combined energy of a devoted group of volunteers to translate that talk into reality.  After several months exploring POS options the choice was finalized on October 31st when we signed on with a top-rated system called ShopKeep.

Then the real work began as volunteers Rita LeBlanc, Yvonne Zola, Carol Phillips, Cyndi Johnstone, and Vicky Sharpe took a full inventory of store items. This set the stage for Rita and Yvonne to learn the system and enter every product into the ShopKeep inventory. 

The decision to remodel the sales/information window offered new challenges. Gary Sherman, longtime Friend of the Refuge, helped us plan for a more accessible workspace. Refuge Volunteer Matt Johnstone stepped in and created the beautiful new counter and work area — improving visibility and adding needed space. 

Finally, on April 1, 2018, the new system went online. Using ShopKeep simplifies the workload for store volunteers and reduces the chance of errors, since prices are entered using a scanner. ShopKeep also tracks inventory as items are sold, keeping the store manager up to date on what’s selling and what needs to be reordered — all of which add up to increased sales and lower costs.

Since the Nature Store is the largest source of revenue for the Friends, we welcome this new efficient system. Thanks to all of you, both volunteers and Refuge staff, who worked together on this successful transition.