Homebase is to start its Chip and PIN project before Christmas and roll out the transaction process across its 300 UK outlets before Easter.
The DIY specialist claims to be the first non-food retailer to start its migration to the Europay, Mastercard, Visa (EMV) standard.
Unlike most other retailers, the run-up to Christmas is a quiet period for Homebase, which does the bulk of its business over the Easter holiday.
Homebase business systems manager Barrie Watkinson is confident that the full roll-out of 3,000 till points will be finished before Easter.
'Supermarkets would not think of implementing anything between now and early January,' he said. 'But we will be completed in January to be ready for next Easter.'
Homebase is using the EPS software module from IBM together with the Ingenico 3100 pinpad.
The lead time for retailers to achieve EMV compliancy is now perilously short and many retailers kicked off pilots six months ago. However, Homebase is one of the many still yet to start.
'We are only doing the pilot now because of the time taken to get certification from the banks,' said Watkinson. 'Homebase being bought last year by GUS was also a factor in the timing.'
According to an independent poll, at least 40 per cent of mid-sized retailers are yet to start Chip and PIN trials. Watkinson suspected that for many of them it may be too late.
'Don't underestimate the complexity of the process,' he said. 'There are many retailers who have not yet started.'
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