With the initiation of the Chamber of Local Grocery Stores, store credits will be followed via a computer program developed by the chamber. İsmail Keskin, chairman of the chamber, said that the system is similar to the systems used in supermarkets, however, it allows the debt to be registered directly in the customer's account and a credit account can easily be opened.
The project, initiated in Beyoğlu as the pilot district, will enable local grocery stores to benefit from advanced technologies. Other districts will follow Beyoğlu.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Keskin said that electronic systems are now a prerequisite of trade and now tradesmen will be actively using barcodes, labeling and automation systems. Local grocery stores are generally located in small neighborhoods and work with notebooks in which customers' purchases are written down. This system allows people in the neighborhood to get what they need at the store without using cash or credit cards. It depends on trust, but it sometimes causes problems.
"The program will be loaded onto the computers of all local grocery stores and will enable shop keepers to immediately view the price of any product via the barcodes," Keskin said, and added that they believe this will improve relations with customers who need to make purchases on credit. He further said that it would be impossible to cancel "on credit" sales, which currently total around TL 1 billion ($422.8 billion). Keskin also said "on credit" sales help to prevent social outbursts even in the hardest times and, through this program, even the brand of the product and the hour of purchase can be tracked, which in the end will improve trust between shop keepers and customers. The program will also enable people to easily track debts and in the near future, customers will be able to access their accounts online.
The chamber has various ideas of how to increase the use of technology as customer expectations change along with the world. "Through such programs, our tradesmen will be able to cater to the changing demands of customers and can manage their budgets easily," Keskin said. A tradesman in Beyoğlu, Bahadır Ünal, said that he believes local grocery stores will build better relationships based on trust with their customers: "Without computers, there might be problems with the customers if, for example, a customer forgets his previous purchase. However, such conflicts can be prevented, as all purchases will be computerized and maintained."
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.