She Said opts for new EPoS solution from J2 and LOIS.

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She Said, the renowned, Brighton-based lingerie and adult gift boutique, has invested in a new point-of-sale technology solution from specialist providers J2 Retail Systems and LOIS Systems.

The solution comprises Chip & PIN-compliant, PC-based touchscreen J2 580 tills together with integrated EPoS and e-commerce software from LOIS. For both suppliers, this contract marks their move into the adult retailing sector.

Observes She Saids founder and managing director, Nic Ramsey: Id failed to convince myself that web and store-based integration could work as I needed it to and was considering two separate systems. What LOIS offered me was designed to make multi-channel operations work seamlessly.

The She Said business, with its boutique tucked away in an alley off Brightons famous Lanes, has been in existence for 8 years. In common with many independent retailers, it used cash registers until recently without connectivity between shop and online store. This was constraining the business in terms of stock management, especially limiting what could be sold online.

Plans for expansion included developing the online channel, with greater integration with store-based business. Nic Ramsey had spent 2 years researching the software market and was on the verge of committing to another product when she met Steve Waller, co-founder and MD of LOIS Systems.

Continues Nic: LOIS had been developed by Steve Waller for his own fashion business, and for the small chain of shops that I aspire to have. I found the system very understandable and easy to use. Its also scalable, and will work for one, two or more shops as I develop the She Said brand.

Continues Nic: I was impressed with the software and with Steve. I also knew that a number of other local businesses I respect had taken LOIS. Id watched them grow and was reassured.

When it came to recommending point-of-sale hardware, LOIS Systems turned to their preferred partner, J2 Retail Systems. Explains Steve Waller: The She Said environment is small and intimate. I knew the J2 tills would be ideal in a setting that relies on atmosphere. Being fanless, the J2 580s are completely quiet. As they can also be bracket-fitted, they free up the entire counter space.

Nic Ramsey concurs with Steve Wallers assessment: We went for the integrated J2 tills, which are quite a neat system. The machines are discrete and take up very little room. Weve merchandised round them so they look at home, fitting in as if theyd always been there.

She Said is now starting to enjoy the hoped-for integration of the web site and store sales. Thanks to our new system, weve been able to look at our web site with fresh eyes and a different approach. It can now be a growing part of our business model, essential for survival in the current climate.

The system is also improving stock management and facilitating some crossover stockholding with sister business, Tickled, which is located nearby. The system allows us to carry slightly less stock overall and to share stock.

Nic Ramsey now feels that the She Said business is equipped to expand and to remain competitive in the current climate. Were seeing a shift in how people are responding to the adult industry. Buyers are now more likely to be women, and theyre discerning about how and what they want to buy. Our growth is being driven by responding to what customers want.

Styling itself as an upmarket, lifestyle business, She Said sells high-quality lingerie and boudoir-wear from designers such as Elle Macpherson, couture suppliers such as La Perla, and bespoke ranges created for She Said. The company is the largest stockist of corsetry in the South. Erotica, sex toys and books are also on sale. Sister business, Tickled, is a female-friendly shop, focusing on womens sexual health and selling adult gifts, toys and books.

The She Said business has been featured on Channel 4, BBC and Sky television. Accolades have been received in magazines such as Elle, Vogue and Cosmopolitan, and in The Times, Metro, The Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday. She Said recently made it to The Times '50 Best Boutiques' listing and was named the papers 'Boutique of The Week' in August 2008.