Independent retailers have been given an opportunity to discover how innovative smartphone-based technology can improve the service they offer, and drive customer loyalty.

The Celtic Manor Resort in Newport played host to the exclusive launch of the award-winning Mini Checkout mobile shopping app.

The event brought together convenience store owners and managers from across the UK, giving them the opportunity to learn about the latest generation of smartphone shopping technology.

Peter O’Toole, retail expert and CEO of Langstone-based Retail Merchandising Services and Mini Checkout, presented at the event, showcasing how the app allows shoppers to scan barcodes and directly charge their bank account without the need for queuing.

During the event, store owners and retail executives met to share best practice, learn more about the mobile app’s technology and the benefits it could bring to independent retailers across the UK. Guests were also presented with a demonstration of the app and given the opportunity to ask questions to Peter O’Toole, who has 30 years experience in the retail sector, about how the mobile shopping technology can aid independent retailers.

Susie Hawkins, director of Simon Smith Retail Ltd, which owns several Budgens and Londis stores within the UK, attended the event.

She said: “It was an excellent event. I find it really exciting to be looking towards the next generation of future shoppers and how independent retailers can capitalise on this.”

Peter O’Toole said: “It was fantastic to see many retailers from across the UK at the launch of our Mini Checkout app. There has been a huge amount of interest in the app already and guests were keen to learn more about how the technology can offer customers a more convenient and satisfying shopping experience. The app targets the growing population of the ‘Y’ generation of customers, who want a technology method to shopping.

“With more than 47,000 independent retailers across the UK, it is vitally important that store owners can compete with the bigger supermarkets without compromising the high level of service and customer care that they offer.

“The event was a great opportunity to demonstrate how this kind of technology can give independent retailers a commercial advantage in an increasingly competitive market.

“The event has helped retailers to learn more about investing in mobile technology, an important tool that can save on the huge costs of purchasing self-scan infrastructure, whilst also increasing profit-margins and store footfall.”