2degrees and AdvanceRetail: Success Through Collaboration
The collaboration between 2degrees, one of New Zealand’s largest telecommunications providers, and AdvanceRetail has led to a profound transformation of in-store operations, helping the company meet growing market demands while enhancing employee and customer experiences. The partnership, cantered around Project AWA (meaning “flow” in Māori), delivered significant operational improvements through the integration of a robust point-of-sale (POS) system, perfectly aligned with 2degrees’ increasingly complex product and service offerings.
As Mia Anderson, GM of Retail and Channels at 2degrees, shared,
“Our relationship for this project started eight years ago, but it was paused and started multiple times... Last year, we decided to push hard to deliver this upgrade. It’s been mind-blowing for store teams. They love it.”
Addressing Complexity with a Seamless Flow
When starting to work with AdvanceRetail, 2degrees faced considerable challenges, especially regarding the complexity of managing sales flows for mobile and broadband services, which differ significantly from traditional retail transactions. “It’s not like opening a clothing store...our product and promotions are quite complex. Our flows of how we interlink everything are also quite complex,” Anderson explained.
2degrees sought a system that would not only streamline sales but also integrate seamlessly into their CRM, automating previously manual tasks and reducing the time needed for complex transactions. One major benefit from this collaboration was the reduction in transaction times with customers on the shop floor. According to Anderson, “We’ve been able to cut anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes off transaction times...that’s massive for both our employees and customers.”
Improved Performance in Critical Moments
One of the biggest tests for 2degrees’ retail operations was during the iPhone 16 launch, where we sell our highest volumes over a 4 – 6 week period, without operational hiccups. The newly implemented system handled the increased volume effortlessly, providing a smooth experience for both employees and customers. Anderson emphasised, “It’s speed to competency...you’re reducing your transaction time by anywhere from 20-30%. That’s massive.”
This efficiency was critical during high-traffic periods. According to a report by Statista, global smartphone sales are projected to exceed 1.6 billion units in 2024, underscoring the importance of streamlined retail processes for telco companies like 2degrees. By leveraging Advance Retail’s system, 2degrees was able to keep pace with demand, particularly during such crucial product launches.
Real ROI: Saving Time and Resources
The new system has also proven to be a major time-saver for the team at 2degrees. According to Anderson, the switch to Advance Retail’s solution has saved 150 person-hours during key sales periods by eliminating the need for double data entry and streamlining report generation. As discussed during the interview, “That’s 150 hours that can now be redirected toward more valuable tasks, allowing employees to focus on delivering a great customer experience.”
The improvements aren’t just operational—they’re reflected in the overall customer experience as well. According to PwC, 73% of customers say the customer experience is a critical factor in their purchasing decisions, making the efficiency brought by the new system a competitive advantage for 2degrees.
A Journey of Continuous Improvement
Despite the success of Project AWA, 2degrees isn’t resting on its laurels. The partnership with Advance Retail continues to evolve. As Anderson noted, "We now have a program of work in place to ensure continuous improvements and that we’re constantly enhancing the flows as we go." The next phase will involve integrating the POS system with new features, including support for wearables and e-SIMs, which are increasingly popular in today’s tech-driven world.
With possible new payment options on the horizon and continuous updates being rolled out, 2degrees’ and Advance Retail are continuing to look for new ways to drive innovation and efficiency. The partnership is poised to keep delivering results that help 2degrees not only stay ahead in a competitive telecommunications industry but also continue providing superior service to its customers.
Conclusion
The collaboration between 2degrees and Advance Retail is a powerful example of how technology and strategic partnerships can transform retail operations. By integrating a complex, user-friendly POS system that meets the unique demands of the telecommunications industry, 2degrees has enhanced its operational efficiency, improved employee satisfaction, and created better experiences for its customers. As Mia Anderson puts it, “It’s been a pretty full-on journey, but it’s definitely worth it.”
With ongoing innovation and a focus on customer-centric solutions, 2degrees and Advance Retail are set to continue leading the way in modern retail transformation.
For more information about AdvanceRetail, visit www.advanceretail.com or AdvanceRetail on LinkedIn.
Media enquiries: David Zemann | Email: david.zemann@advanceretail.com| Phone: +61 457 021 956
About AdvanceRetail
AdvanceRetail delivers solutions that allow retailers to compete and win in todays global, omni-channel and 24/7 market. From head office management to point of sale and mobile point of service, AdvanceRetail delivers the information you need to stock your stores and serve your customers.
About 2degrees
2degrees is a New Zealand full service telecommunications provider. It's the third-largest wireless carrier in New Zealand, with 1.3 million subscribers as of July 2015.
