Running a local Asian or international supermarket comes with a unique set of challenges that standard retail software often misses. From handling loose spices and bulk rice sacks to managing imported goods and community-based pricing, the needs of your store are specific.
In a recent chat with Paul, one of Tower Systems’ expert software installers, we dove deep into how their Aussie-made POS software is specifically designed to support the workflow of independent Asian grocers in Australia and New Zealand.
Paul is one of our experts. he’s installed the software in this type of businesses, configured it with them, and helped them to make the most of the opportunity.
Here is a breakdown of the game-changing features that can help streamline your business.
1. Seamless scale integration (NMI Authorized)
One of the biggest pain points in Asian grocery is managing loose stock like herbs, spices, and fresh produce.
Tower Systems software integrates directly with your scales. You simply place the item on the scale, press the product button on the POS screen, and the weight and price automatically transfer to the sale.
It’s faster, reduces manual entry errors, and is fully NMI (National Measurement Institute) authorized, ensuring you meet government trade standards.
2. Visual Touchscreen Buttons
Speed at the counter is critical. Paul highlighted how the software allows for highly visual, customizable buttons.
Instead of reading through text lists, your staff can use photo-based buttons. For example, a “Spice” button can open a sub-menu of images showing turmeric, cumin, or chilli powder.
This is incredibly helpful for new staff or employees where English might be a second language, making the system intuitive and easy to learn.
3. Handling Bulk Breakdowns (“Manufactured Goods”)
Many Asian supermarkets buy in bulk—think 20kg bags of flour or rice—and repackage them into 1kg or 2kg bags for retail.
The “Manufactured Goods” feature tracks this inventory shift. When you break down a big sack, the software automatically adjusts your stock levels, knowing that one large item has become twenty small ones.
4. Smart Currency & Import Management
Dealing with imported goods often means juggling exchange rates.
When stock arrives, you can input the cost in the foreign currency (e.g., buying in USD or RMB), and the system helps convert it to your current local selling price, ensuring your margins stay accurate.
You can even set up automatic prompts (for staff) or receipt notes (for customers) regarding storage instructions for specific imported items.
5. Community & Loyalty Features
Community is the heart of local grocers. The software allows you to set up:
Easily apply discounts for local community groups, restaurants, or loyal VIPs automatically when their name is attached to the sale.
During festivals like Lunar New Year or Diwali, you can bundle items into hampers. The system tracks the individual stock items within the hamper, so your inventory is always right.
6. Flexibility for the Real World
Paul mentioned several “quality of life” features that make a big difference during a busy rush:
Suspend Sales: If a customer forgets an item, you can pause their transaction, serve the next person, and retrieve the original sale instantly without re-scanning.
Fractional Quantities: Easily sell items by 0.5kg or other fractions without complex math.
Training: Tower Systems offers “snackable” training videos and a chatbot that can support staff in multiple languages, bridging the communication gap.
Tower Systems isn’t chasing the big chains. They are focused on helping independent local retailers—businesses with 1 to 5 stores—compete and grow. If you are running an Asian supermarket and need a system that actually understands how you trade, this Aussie-made solution is worth a look.
Now, you can find out more from this video at our YouTube channel:
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The right POS system for any retail business depends on the specific needs of the retail business. Tower offers specialty retail business software made for local small business retailers. To see if we might help you…, request a free, no-obligation demo today.
Call 1300 662 957 in Australia or 0800 444 367 in New Zealand. Or, email sales@towersystems.com.au.
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