How a supermarket EPOS system can help you take on the chains at their own game

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We don’t need to tell you that the UK food retail scene is hugely competitive, and the ‘big four’ (or is that now big five?) have a stranglehold on customers. That stranglehold is due, in large part, to technology.

To win customers over, and get them to make your independent supermarket their destination of choice, you need to take the chains on at their own game.

The key to doing that is having a supermarket EPOS system that can help create a competitive advantage.

But first, you need to understand what you’re truly up against.

Why do customers choose to shop at supermarket chains?

Data shows us that there are three main reasons why people shop at supermarket chains:

Hyper personalised loyalty

Research shows that 97% of UK shoppers are members of at least one supermarket loyalty programme, and on average shoppers are members of three loyalty schemes. And we’ve all likely experienced the benefits and understand the attraction of these schemes – in fact, 69% of shoppers think loyalty pricing offers good savings. Loyalty programmes are ramping up now too. Tesco’s Clubcard Challenges, for example, provides personalised challenges to shoppers to unlock additional points, providing an additional incentive for customers to return again, and again.

Round the clock convenience

It seems like we’re all busier than ever, and your target customers want to shop as efficiently and as easily as possible. Studies show that, in 2025, 67% of grocery transactions were ‘top up shops’ rather than a weekly ‘big shop’. Supermarkets have lent into that convenience factor, with quick delivery services, click and collect, and ready meals, as well as long opening hours and reliable stock levels.

The perception of pricing

Households have been under significant financial pressure over recent years, and while inflation is steadying there’s still significant concern over the price of goods and services. In fact, new research from KPMG. released in December 2025, showed that the cost of groceries was the highest contributory factor shaping people’s perception that the economy was worsening – a huge 81% cited food costs, higher than utility bills and eating out. When things are tight, people look to save – and the big chains, rightly or wrongly, have a perception of providing low prices.

How independents can use a supermarket EPOS to compete like a chain

By understanding the three key reasons your potential customers are spending their money with supermarket chains, you can level the playing field and beat the big players at their own game – with the added benefit of connecting like a local. 

Launching a local loyalty app

Customers love loyalty apps – so give them what they want. A loyalty app that rewards purchases and encourages visits not only gives customers additional benefit for shopping with you, but unlocks new levels of data and insight for you, too. For example, the CSY loyalty app, which can be branded and personalised for your business, gives customers all the benefits they’re familiar with – and gives you a new lever in your business. 

Maximise the potential of the multi department shop

Convenience is a crucial aspect of supermarket visits. And while the likelihood of you wanting to open 24/7 is fairly remote, ensuring your in-store experience is as convenient as possible for customers is something you can achieve quickly. 

By using a supermarket EPOS system such as CSY, you can unify your departments and create a single source of truth. With deli scales, the butcher counter and grocery tills all talking to each other, you can manage stock in real time, preempt shortages and ensure customers aren’t frustrated by not being able to get what they need.

Compete on price

We know supermarkets will often deploy loss leaders and squeeze margins to offer lower pricing, and while those tactics may not appeal, implementing Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) can bring a different dimension to pricing – both for the business and your customer. By being able to update pricing instantly across multiple sites, you can react to supplier price shifts, market demands and stock approaching best before dates, and take advantage of flash sales, too.  ESLs ensure 100% accuracy, and frees up your staff’s time. So they can do what supermarket chains rarely do – talk to your customers, and build up that familiarity which helps bring them back to you.

Take control: compete like a chain, and connect like a local

Technology gives independent supermarkets a competitive edge over the large chains – because, when it comes to implementing new tech, your size is an advantage. 

By seizing the opportunity today, you can meet all of your potential customers’ expectations, while maximising the relationships and community ethos that are a genuine point of difference. 

Find out today how CSY’s supermarket EPOS platform can help your independent supermarket reach new levels – attracting new customers while deepening loyalty with your current customers, too.