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Do it Best Group, Fort Wayne, In., has forged a new technology services partnership with Epicor designed to give its member-owners access to a right-sized point-of-sale platform backed by greater support from the co-op.
Built around Epicor Propello’s cloud-based platform, the new offering will provide Do it Best Group members with a stronger technology foundation for store operations, including point of sale, ecommerce, loyalty rewards, reporting, and other key retail integrations. The program will be introduced to members during the Do it Best Group Fall Market, where attendees will have opportunities to see the platform, attend education sessions, schedule demonstrations, and meet with the company’s technology and member support teams.
“For many independent retailers, business technology has been one of the most difficult and frustrating decisions they have to make,” said Ken Widner, CIO of Do it Best Group. “Our members need systems and support that are reliable, scalable, and aligned with how they actually run their businesses. This partnership with Epicor gives us a stronger platform to put in front of members and allows Do it Best Group to play a more active role in helping them navigate those decisions.”
“Modernizing a store’s systems involves more than selecting the right software,” said Jeff Young, Group Vice President, Epicor. “It requires thoughtful implementation, strong integration, and ongoing support. Together, Epicor and Do it Best Group are bringing those elements together to help member-owners move forward with greater confidence.”
Epicor Propello is a cloud-based platform designed to support the evolving needs of independent retailers. Through this new partnership, Do it Best Group plans to offer members access to Epicor Propello through a licensing structure supported by the co-op, creating a more streamlined path for members evaluating point-of-sale options and related technology services.
The initial rollout will focus on traditional hardware stores where Do it Best Group is the primary supplier of hardlines, including members who do not currently have a point-of-sale system or are operating on systems that are not aligned with the company’s broader technology ecosystem. The company expects the offering to expand over time as additional support capabilities, integrations, and implementation resources are developed.
“Our members are looking for more than a POS system. They’re looking for technology that connects with the tools they use every day and support from people who understand their business,” said Jared Hufford, Director of Member Care for Do it Best Group. “Our goal is to help simplify the process, strengthen the connection between store systems and Do it Best Group programs, and give members a clearer path forward.”
The new offering will include a pre-set configuration optimized to communicate with Do it Best Group systems and services, including ecommerce, Best Rewards, Retail Pulse, reporting, and other retail technology capabilities. Initial implementations will be handled by Epicor with strong engagement from the Do it Best Group team, while additional support services are expected to roll out in phases.
“This is an important step in our broader commitment to helping independent retailers operate more confidently and compete more effectively,” Widner said. “Technology is now part of the core operating infrastructure of a successful store. By working with Epicor, we’re creating a stronger foundation for members today and a platform we can continue building on for the future.”
Members attending the Do it Best Group Fall Market will be able to register for Epicor Propello demonstrations, attend technology-focused education sessions, and schedule one-on-one consultations to learn more about how the offering may support their business.
Headquartered in Fort Wayne, the Do it Best Group is the world's largest hardware, lumber, and building materials buying cooperative in the home improvement industry. With nearly $6 billion in annual sales, we support thousands of independently-owned locations across the United States and in more than 60 countries worldwide. Partners in the company have the flexibility to operate under the Do it Best, True Value, or their own local store identities, offering a diverse range of branding options to best serve their communities.
