SAQ closes its transaction site for 8 days

The Society des Alcoles du Quebec (SAQ) will soon undertake a “major” update of its technical infrastructure, resulting in an eight-day interruption of its online services.

Customers will no longer be able to order spirits or wine on the site between January 26 and February 2. SAQ.COM Or via a mobile application.

“This update marks an important step in optimizing our operations and we want to provide our customers with experience,” said Catherine Dagenis, President and CEO.

It should be noted that this digital transformation work does not affect the branch network or the opening hours.

SAQ said it had been preparing for several months for this multi-million dollar project as part of its 2021-2023 strategic plan.

These changes will allow Crown Corporation to modernize its supply chain and improve its online product listing.

The goal is to make the customer experience more fluid and personalized. Management has already publicly stated that it hopes to finally be able to place orders online within 24 hours.

In the past, SAQ has been criticized several times for not having products on its trading site. In March 2015, when the Click, Buy and Pickup program launched, management guaranteed access to the majority of wines and spirits available in stores.

However, by the beginning of 2020, less than 35% of the products in stock were delivered there.

Last fall, Crown Corporation said its online sales could triple to $ 200 million in three years.

In the case of an epidemic, SAQ said the timing chosen to disrupt its online services was not ideal, as it would lead to more visits to branches. However, postponing this update is “too difficult”, reply management said.

“There is never the right time to achieve such a transformational change, but it is essential to continue to live up to the expectations of our customers and partners,” Mr.^{To me} Dagenis promised to let people know if more time is needed to make all the IT changes.

Inspire card customers can continue to earn points during this time. They can also use them in SAQ branches.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, Sack is working on expanding its new e-commerce platform from 2020.