Northern Tool + Equipment

In the retail landscape, where the customer has blurred lines between the store and web experience, having accurate inventory data is more critical than ever. From self–checkout to order pick–up, curbside pick–up or even same–day delivery, these rely heavily on the accuracy of brick–and–mortar inventory management. Many stores leverage that inventory as mini-fulfillment centers to maximize the store footprint and get products to customers faster and more efficiently

At Northern Tool + Equipment, a Minnesota-based familyowned company that provides high quality tools and equipment for those that do the tough jobs every day in the trades, we have invested in in-store technology to better manage inventory and improve the customer experience. Some enhancements include real time inventory adjustments through handheld devices, simplified freight receiving process, and enhanced vendor receiving tools to ensure accuracy of the inventory on hand in the system. This accuracy ensures a seamless experience across online and in-store channels.

These new tools give our customers more options to purchase how they prefer to shop with us. Many of our products are in high demand in communities impacted by extreme weather emergencies where generators or other cleanup products are needed. Having accurate and available inventory is critical to serving our communities. Because of the nature of the products we sell, many are assisted sales that require our sales teams to provide their expertise to select the right item for the customer and use case. Customers at Northern have come to expect this level of service—our sales teams are now equipped with tablet devices that have the same functionality as the register, making the experience for the customer faster and more efficient once they have made their buying decision. Keeping our associates on the floor and available to support customers by providing tools with all the back-office capabilities at their fingertips is monumental in providing an exceptional customer experience.

Providing our associates with tools that empower them to maximize their impact and serve customers more effectively is a game changer. Our teams are exceptional at the soft skills of salesmanship and delivering outstanding service to our customers—combining these skills with technology like this is a powerful combination. It will be key to our business in the future.