Turn-Key Electronics & Fixture Rollout 

The Project:

The client engaged footprint to install multiple, in-store components for a nationwide cellular phone carrier.  Items included 42" LCD screens connected to the store hub, signage, graphics and fixturing.  We completed over 1,100 stores in less than one month to coincide with the roll-out of national advertising.

The Challenges:

footprint encountered a series of noncompliant components. footprint developed a solution that was both cost-effective and limited store revisits.

The Plan:

A cross-functional team, which included the client, its software provider and footprint developed the project plan in a way to maximize the usage of experienced and trained crews.  These twice-weekly planning calls identified potential problems and led to a smooth execution of the project.

The Process:

footprint produced a detailed installation manual and trouble-shooting guide, conducted a survey of each store and provided centralized warehousing and distribution for the multiple components.   We provided before and after photographs via an ftp site that allowed the client to import all store information and sign-offs into its store management system.

The Result:

Success.  The client's product launch went off on time and on budget.

Coast to Coast Logistics Deployment

The Project:

Our client awarded footprint a multi-year program to complete the installation of new espresso machines in over 7000 stores in the U.S. and Canada, while also removing and recycling dated equipment.  All installations occur overnight while the stores are not in operation.

The Challenges:

footprint, the client and its partners worked through multiple operational hurdles to ensure success. We managed scheduling of crews around a machine depreciation schedule and in coordination with calibration teams who followed behind us to complete final testing. The client has upgraded the espresso machines throughout the program requiring efficient logistics and inventory management.

The Plan:

Coordinating all aspects of the program from distribution and management of the retail key program, installation teams across the U.S. and Canada, to pick and pack and logistics, as well as recycling of old units.

The Process:

The program is occurring over a four year period (2009 – 2012). Our client utilized footprint’s robust web based reporting system not only for our network members but also for the calibration teams who complete final testing on the machines. This process enables the client to have a one stop shop for viewing progress on all aspects of their project.

The Results:

Implementation has been very successful to date, resulting in the completion of 5,586 retail installations in the continental US and Canada.

Nationwide Turn-Key Kiosk Rollout

The Project:

An incredibly exciting new consumer product launch that utilized in-store kiosks to sell the product.

The Challenges:

The client specs did not consider the realities of in-store execution. Deploying a cross functional team created an efficient process that was cost-effective and easy for the client’s retail customers..

The Plan:

footprint’s team coordinated with multiple members of the clients team – from logistics and marketing, to operations and purchasing. Footprint also worked with the kiosk manufacturer to identify repair items and processes.

The Process:

The program’s moving schedule and specs challenged a nationwide rollout. footprint managed the electrical upgrade to 3,000 stores and installed over 4,000 kiosks. footprint established inventory management and repair/maintenance systems and currently manage these for the client.

The Results:

The kiosk won national design awards and the product launch was incredibly successful for our client. footprint is deeply involved in the design process for the future version of the kiosk.

Chain-wide Front End Remodel Program

The Project:

footprint was engaged to complete a front end remodel for a major discount retailer. Scope of work included pre-site survey, transportation and warehousing of fixtures, new electrical runs for front end coolers, powering down and relocating cash wraps, installation and merchandising of new front end fixtures, and off-site disposal/recycling of existing fixtures in over 8,000 stores.

The Challenges:

footprint developed complex surveys to capture items such as unique store layouts, floor and ceiling configurations, cash wrap and front end dimensions, footages from the back room to the cash wrap for electrical runs, and current load capacity of the sub panels. We completed the survey in 3 weeks for 8,000+ locations, which was the foundation of the program.

The Plan:

footprint managed all aspects of the program and developed the comprehensive project plan and manual to ensure successful execution.

The Process:

The site survey provided the foundation for a successful program which led to a complete understanding of the     equipment and services required for each individual store. footprint’s robust web based reporting helped capture all information in one repository to include freight status, installation and electrical status, issue tracking and resolution, completion photos, manager signature, and post installation checklists.

The Results:

We completed 8000+ stores successfully in the established timeframe.

Nationwide Training Program

The Project:

footprint was awarded a multi-year program with the client to complete retail crew and management training on a new state of the art beverage dispenser in stores in throughout the US. This product represents a major breakthrough in beverage dispensing technology, and is a critical business building initiative for our client and its customers.

The Challenges:

footprint and our client established the training protocol from the ground up in a very condensed time period prior to the kick off of the pilot markets. Scheduling of trainers had to be managed around an installation schedule set by another vendor.

The Plan:

Provide hands on training with store personnel covering all aspects of drink dispensing technology unique to this dispenser (touch screen, 104 selections), daily operational tasks, cleaning protocol and product ordering. footprint also manages the pick and pack and distribution of leave behind packet which contains all dispenser reference materials.

The Process:

Program is occurring over a 3 year period (2010– 2012). footprint built automation between our proprietary system and our clients system to extract the store list, schedule dates & times, and upload of completion confirmation. Weekly review calls with client as well as monthly metric reviews ensure that the project is on track and all parties are apprised of new developments.

The Results:

Implementation has been very successful to date resulting in the completion of 241 retail trainings in the continental US. Overall program is expected to hit over 90,000 locations.

CVS/pharmacy

The Project:

After acquiring 500+ Long’s Drug Stores on the West Coast, CVS/pharmacy contracted footprint Retail Services to assist with a massive conversion program. The conversions required complete rebranding, reconfiguration of all fixtures, re-merchandising and signage installation. 



The Challenges:

CVS/pharmacy introduced a very aggressive schedule and timeline which included weekend shifts and some overnight work. 


The Plan:

In order to meet the projects tight timeline and achieve aggressive budget goals by store, the plan required building 2 shifts working straight through until each store was complete. footprint established a dedicated leadership team and an enhanced communication tracking system which kept the project on track and moving forward.

The Process:

A Leadership team to include key members of field management, operations and client services was implemented to work with the retailers planning team to solidify a go-forward plan and schedule.  footprint staffed and trained the field merchandising team to accommodate the multiple shifts.    Using real-time, wireless netbooks we implemented an   enhanced communication model to allow daily closing updates, alerts and bi-weekly executive recaps throughout the project.

The Result:

All stores where completed on time with several ahead of schedule. The budget objectives established by CVS/pharmacy were achieved and in many cases, expectations were exceeded.

Seasonal Audit & Correct Program

The Project:

A national retailer hired footprint to ensure seasonal programs were implemented at store level.  The objective was to visit over 1000 stores to audit seasonal programs to ensure placement on the floor within the specified window, in the products original packaging and in the correctly designated “seasonal” location.  We also performed corrections where audits indicated the product was not placed on the sales floor correctly.

The Challenges:

footprint needed to work with 7 different vendors and over 20 unique displays to created a “seasonal event” for shoppers.

The Plan:

footprint developed an effective communication plan within our field force so that they could identify the individual promotions by store and by vendor.

The Process:

footprint utilized field technology to provide images and distribution matrixes so that each display could be addressed by vendor and store. Upon walking into stores our merchandiser had all the necessary components to accurately identify, audit (correct as needed) and report on each display.

The Result:

Success. Corrections were implemented in nearly 20% of the stores delivering a 30% sales increase for those vendors.

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