2019 Retail Trends Report

Over the last 15 years, retail has undergone a significant transformation. The internet has provided customers with access to seemingly endless options while mobile technologies have put information at their fingertips, anytime and anywhere. While these changes continue to reshape the retail landscape, we are beginning the transition into the second phase of this transformation. As the dust of disruption begins to settle, retailers are reinventing their operations to make them faster, smarter, and more nimble.

Spotlight

The Retail Banking Academy

RBA International believes that retail banking should be a recognised profession like accountancy and law. It was founded with the objective of playing a leading role in developing and professionalising consumer-oriented retail banking throughout the world.

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POS Retail

Retail POS Strategies for Seamless Checkout Experiences

Article | May 10, 2024

Discover effective retail POS strategies to transform retail checkout into a smooth, customer-friendly process. Enhance shopping experiences with latest retail point of sale system features. Contents 1. Seamless Checkout Experiences: The New Retail Standard 2. Comprehensive Strategies for Checkout Optimization 3. Latest Trends in POS Systems 3.1. Cloud-Based Deployment: A Growing Preference 3.2. Mobile POS systems 3.3. AI in POS systems 3.4. Robust Data Privacy 3.5. POS System Integration for Retailers 3.6. Advanced Analytics for Market Segmentation 4. POS System Features for Retail Success 5. The Road Ahead for Retail Checkout 1. Seamless Checkout Experiences: The New Retail Standard In the fast-paced world of ecommerce, consumers are not just looking for the perfect products but also a seamless and hassle-free shopping experience. Retail POS strategies that address the checkout challenge head-on convert consumers’ buying intent into action. The rapid pace of digitalization, especially in the retail and restaurant sectors across North America, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa, has significantly fueled the adoption of POS software. POS systems assist restaurants in dynamic ways to increase their ROI and popularity. This transformation is aligned with the global move towards cashless transactions, propelling the demand for reliable and efficient POS systems. From the psychology of a shopper to the technical nuances of payment processing, every aspect needs to be covered to ensure that checkout experiences not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Security and trust, the cornerstones of any successful e-commerce operation, are also scrutinized when making decisions related to effective retail POS strategies. That means taking a deep dive into the latest advancements in encryption, fraud detection, and secure payment gateways, ensuring that retail ecosystems are equipped to protect customers and businesses effectively. With the rise of mobile commerce and the influence of social media marketing, shopping has become an activity that fits into the brief interludes of a consumer's day. In such moments, a complicated or unclear checkout process can deter potential sales, highlighting the importance of simplicity and efficiency at this final, critical stage of the shopping journey. Research indicates that a significant factor in shopping cart abandonment is the absence of preferred payment options, with many consumers also discouraged by the need to manually enter extensive payment details. This suggests a clear opportunity for retailers to capture lost revenue by simplifying the payment process and offering a wider array of payment options. The concept of frictionless checkout gains prominence, particularly during the holiday season when time is of the essence for shoppers. Retailers can enhance the checkout experience by minimizing the need for consumers to enter new information or perform unnecessary actions. Implementing single-click purchasing and standardized wallet flows can significantly expedite the checkout process, reducing cart abandonment and fostering customer loyalty. In the digital realm, where personal and financial information is exchanged with ease, establishing robust security measures is imperative to protect transactions and build consumer trust. 2. Comprehensive Strategies for Checkout Optimization Optimizing the checkout process is pivotal for retail success, especially during the bustling holiday season. A smooth, efficient checkout not only enhances customer satisfaction but also drives sales. The ultimate objective of strategies for enhanced retail transactions is increased sales and deeper market penetration. Amasty.com highlighted how embracing a global strategy and facilitating easier transactions for customers worldwide can significantly broaden a company's market presence. Exemplifying, We Are Knitters, an e-commerce platform based in Spain known for its knitting kits and supplies, it explained how the platform successfully ventured into 15 new countries. This expansion was made possible through a strategic partnership with Stripe, integrated via Magento, which provided the flexibility in payment options essential for gaining the trust of a diverse new customer base across the US, France, and Germany. Moreover, Magento's integration with Stripe and seamless checkout experience ensured that We Are Knitters could reliably manage a surge in orders during April 2020, demonstrating the effectiveness of their global expansion strategy. Here's a comprehensive look at strategies for checkout optimization, incorporating various industry terms and practices to achieve the benefits of advanced POS features for retail success: Frictionless Transaction Process: Retailers should focus on minimizing the steps to complete a purchase, leveraging advanced POS software and digital transformation in retail to streamline operations. Regularly updating and maintaining POS systems would ensure optimal performance, security, and customer satisfaction. Secure Data Retention: Implementing secure data retention practices is a pivotal step towards accelerating the checkout experience. By securely saving customer information upon their consent, an online platform can swiftly recall these details for future transactions. This method not only expedites the checkout process by eliminating redundant data entry but also significantly minimizes the chance of input errors. Adopt Next-Gen POS System Features: Modern POS strategies include integrating next-gen POS system features that support various payment methods and enhance retail checkout strategies. Features like mobile payments, contactless transactions, and personalized shopping experiences cater to the modern consumer's expectations. Focus on Strategic POS Implementation: Ensure that the system aligns with the retailer's overall sales and marketing strategies. This includes integrating inventory management to keep track of stock levels in real-time and using data analytics for personalized marketing efforts. Optimize Retail Checkout: To optimize checkout in retail, it's essential to streamline the checkout flow, reduce wait times, and remove all unnecessary steps. Strategies for enhanced retail transactions include offering multiple payment options and simplifying the user interface. Leverage Advanced Retail Tech: The future of retail checkout lies in the adoption of advanced technologies. This includes mobile POS systems that allow for payments anywhere in the store, self-checkout options for customers who prefer a DIY approach, and the integration of AI to predict and fulfill customer needs proactively. Personalized Retail Experience: Personalization is key to optimizing the retail checkout experience. From greeting customers by name to offering expedited shipping options, small touches can significantly improve the retail checkout experience. By collecting and analyzing customer data, retailers can also offer personalized recommendations, promotions, and payment options. This not only enhances the customer's experience but also increases the likelihood of repeat business. Incorporating these strategies into retail operations can significantly improve checkout process, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased sales. By focusing on these areas, retailers can reduce cart abandonment rates and enhance their sales, ensuring a positive shopping experience that encourages customers to return. 3. Latest Trends in POS Systems The surge in demand for bespoke POS software solutions across various industries is a pivotal growth driver of next-gen POS system features. These solutions facilitate enhanced operational efficiency, enabling businesses to concentrate on core activities with their technological advancements while leveraging advanced analytics and customer management tools. The North American and EMEA POS software market, integral to the rapidly evolving retail and hospitality sectors, stands as a testament to the shift towards digital transactions. With a market size valued at $6,553.1 million in 2021, it is projected to experience robust growth, reaching $21,140.1 million by 2031, at a CAGR of 12.7%. This growth trajectory is underpinned by the burgeoning demand for sophisticated, user-centric POS solutions across diverse corporate sectors, aiming to streamline operations and enhance customer engagement. Advancements in modern retail checkout are a testament to the continuous evolution of POS software. Let’s study the latest trends in retail point of sale technology and advancements in POS systems. 3.1. Cloud-Based Deployment: A Growing Preference The shift towards cloud-based POS solutions is notable, providing businesses with the agility to manage operations remotely and scale as per evolving needs. This trend is particularly beneficial for SMEs seeking cost-effective, scalable solutions. Cloud deployment is emerging as the preferred choice for its remote accessibility and scalability. However, on-premises solutions remain relevant for businesses prioritizing data control and security within their IT infrastructure. 3.2. Mobile POS systems Digital transformation in retail has led to the growing popularity of mobile POS solutions. This trend reflects a dynamic balance in the market, where the longstanding dominance of fixed POS systems, particularly in traditional retail and restaurant environments, is being complemented and, in some cases, challenged by the advantages offered by mobile alternatives. With COVID-19, people have witnessed a surge in using contactless payment methods. This trend gave way to contactless payments using mobile phones and similar devices, which will likely transcend from a temporary to a new norm. [Source: hostmerchantservices] Android POS systems have been gaining traction as mobility is especially beneficial for businesses that operate outside traditional settings, such as outdoor markets, pop-up stores, and food trucks, as well as for those looking to enhance customer service by reducing wait times and streamlining payment processes right at the table or the point of decision. 3.3. AI in POS systems The integration of AI into POS systems signifies a leap towards adapting swiftly to industry-specific needs. Coupled with machine learning, POS systems will offer personalized customer recommendations based on purchase history, making personalized shopping experiences the standard. 3.4. Robust Data Privacy Robust data security festures in POS systems has emerged as a critical trend in safeguarding customer information and maintaining trust. The retail giant fell victim to one of the largest and most publicized data breaches of all time in late 2013 after attackers infected its POS systems with the Trojan.POSRAM malware and stole PII and payment card information on as many as 70 million target customers. Target ended up settling a class action suit from the breach for $39 million and incurring another $19.9 million in associated legal costs. [Source: digitalguardian] With the rise of sophisticated cyber-attacks, implementing application whitelisting, and maintaining up-to-date software with regular vulnerability assessments cannot be overstated. These measures, along with network segmentation, two-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring for threats, will continue to hold importance in order to thwart POS security compromises and protecting sensitive payment information. 3.5. POS System Integration for Retailers POS integrations offer retailers a unified, detailed overview of their operations, linking customer management, inventory tracking, employee scheduling, and financial flows transparently. These integrations enable tailored compensation for employees with varied responsibilities, adjusting wages according to the role and time worked, thus streamlining payroll processes. Time and attendance features automate tracking and compliance, reducing manual effort and ensuring accuracy. Commission calculations are simplified, directly integrating with payroll solutions for immediate compensation adjustments. 3.6. Advanced Analytics for Market Segmentation To stay competitive, businesses are utilizing the advanced analytics capabilities of modern POS systems. These insights can drive strategic decisions, optimize operations, and enhance customer experiences. The retail sector, followed closely by hospitality, represents the largest market share, leveraging POS software for comprehensive management solutions, from inventory to customer loyalty programs. Insights are helpful for geo-based decisions also. North America, particularly the US, and Europe are the primary markets for POS software, driven by robust retail and hospitality sectors. The Middle East & Africa region, although at a nascent stage, shows promising growth potential, attributed to increasing digitalization and economic diversification efforts. 4. POS System Features for Retail Success Selecting the right POS system is crucial for the success of any business. Focusing on the below-mentioned integrated features can enhance efficiency, customer satisfaction, and sales: Sales Management: Automate the sales process with real-time reporting and inventory updates, facilitating quick, accurate transactions and seamless stock control. Inventory Management: Implement advanced features for real-time stock level maintenance, accurate forecasting, and minimization of waste, ensuring product availability and optimizing storage costs. Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Utilize tools for building strong customer relationships. Implement loyalty programs and integrate marketing efforts to boost retention and engage effectively with your audience. Employee Management: Streamline staff scheduling, payroll, and performance tracking. Automated reporting aids in efficient workforce management, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. Analytics and Reporting: Gain invaluable insights with comprehensive analytics on sales trends, inventory management, and customer behavior, enabling data-driven decisions that drive growth. Loyalty Programs and Offers: Encourage repeat business with loyalty programs that reward customer loyalty, thereby enhancing customer retention and increasing sales. Marketing Integrations: Leverage software that integrates seamlessly with email marketing and social media platforms, simplifying your marketing efforts and amplifying customer engagement. It is vital to note that the hardware components must not be ignored during a discussion on ideal POS system. The shift towards simpler, more intuitive POS hardware is significantly improving the retail experience by focusing on enhanced mobility and streamlined operational efficiency. A thorough knowledge of key features and hardware not only streamlines business operations, but also provides a foundation for sustained growth and customer satisfaction. 5. The Road Ahead for Retail Checkout The road ahead for retail checkout is marked by technological innovation, consumer-centric strategies, and a heightened focus on security. Retailers who adapt to these evolving trends, embracing the capabilities of advanced POS systems, will position themselves for success in the dynamic retail ecosystem. The future of retail checkout is not just about transactions; it’s about creating memorable shopping experiences that foster loyalty and drive growth. The future also lies in the continuous innovation of POS systems. As technology advances, so do the opportunities for retailers to create more engaging, efficient, and secure shopping experiences. Embracing these changes and adapting to the latest trends will be key for retailers aiming to stay competitive and meet the evolving expectations of their customers.

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POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising

A pivot to customer and supporting the shopping journeys

Article | June 7, 2024

ABC Fine Wine & SpiritsOracle Retail Cross Talk is our favorite event of the year. Across the 2.5 days, we create authentic connections across our retail community so you can learn from each other. We recruit 25-30 global retailers to share their experiences in case studies, panel discussions, or fireside chats. We are thrilled to host a panel discussion with ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Estee Lauder. Delivering a great omnichannel retail experience takes the right people, process, and technology to earn shopper loyalty by offering engaging and seamless experiences across more than 70 unique customer journeys. Widespread curbside pick-up, flexible store environments, buy online, pick-up in-store (BOPIS) protocols–these new norms have dramatically accelerated in-store adaptation and innovation. As brands dive deeper for new ways to maximize the customer experience—and adapt to the rapidly changing world—they must lean into agile technology. Join this discussion to hear how ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Estee Lauder are tackling today’s challenges and planning for the future. Estee Lauder Platform Discussion: Stores and Omnichannel As customers continue to evolve the omnichannel retail journey, you can provide them with engaging, seamless experiences while refining operations across point-of-service, ecommerce, and order management systems. Join us at Cross Talk to learn how Oracle Retail’s omnichannel modern retail solutions bridge the productivity gaps between the online and traditional point-of-sale functionality, improve store associate effectiveness, increase sales, and ultimately personalize the customer experience.

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Ecommerce Merchandising

Impact of Cashless Transactions on Third-Party Payments

Article | March 18, 2024

In recent years, with the progression and development of information technology and the Internet, the third-party payment platform has experienced immense up-gradation. This has resulted in facilitating people's lives to a great extent and simplifying and transforming the method of payment. With the accelerated advancement in the era of the Internet and the significant rise in the scale of third-party payment transactions, in comparison to the conventional mode of payment, these solutions have substantially increased people's consumption power by not only making operations more convenient and reducing transaction costs, but also by safeguarding the rights and interests of both parties. Shift Towards Cashless Transactions Bolstering the Third Party Payments There is a rapid shift towards the use of cashless point-of-sale (POS) solutions, driven by the growing digitalization. According to a study, nearly 82 percent of the population in the U.S. are using digital or cashless payments—defined to include in-app or browser-based online purchases, QR codes, in-store checkout using a mobile phone, and person-to-person (P2P) payments. Citing the trend, about 27% of consumers and around 32% of business owners said they believe the U.S. will become a completely cashless society in the coming future. Third-party payment solutions add functionality to the cashless transactions and act as payment aggregators, providing freedom and flexibility to customers to select the solutions they find most favorable to meet their financial needs. Therefore, with increasing cashless transactions, third-party payment solutions will gain huge traction across the POS sector. What’s Next? With the improvement in the urbanization level, the continuous growth of the urban population, and the appeal of third-party payment solutions, it is crucial to tap into the spending potential of customers. Hence, leading POS solution providers are emphasizing on development and introduction of new third-party and mobile POS systems. For instance, Paynear Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a financial technology company, announced the launch of a third-party omnichannel cashless solution under an umbrella through a mobile PoS solution, enabling all the business owners signed up with Paynear to seamlessly accept UPI transactions.

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How the coronavirus and retail closures are accelerating the rise of Amazon

Article | April 19, 2020

Under orders to stay home, millions of Americans have turned to online marketplaces like Amazon to order much-needed essentials like toilet paper, food, hand sanitizer and cold medicine. In lieu of neighborhood supermarkets, consumers are relying on online grocery delivery services like Amazon Fresh, resulting in a cascade of delays and out-of-stock notices amid the unexpected rise in demand. Amazon has hired more than 100,000 new warehouse and delivery workers since March to help manage the surge in orders, and it’s planning to bring on 75,000 more workers. The unprecedented demand has propelled shares of Amazon to fresh highs. The stock hit an all-time high on April 16 and is up more than 28% for the year, compared with an 11% decline for the S&P 500. Investors have flocked to Amazon and other stay-at-home stocks like Netflix and Zoom in recent months, as consumers have come to depend on their services amid the lockdown.

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Spotlight

The Retail Banking Academy

RBA International believes that retail banking should be a recognised profession like accountancy and law. It was founded with the objective of playing a leading role in developing and professionalising consumer-oriented retail banking throughout the world.

Related News

POS Retail

Leading Wireless Retail Platform Provider Real Time Technologies Continues Growth and Expansion With Acquisition of Your Ware Software

Real Time Technologies (RT²) | January 24, 2024

Real Time Technologies, Inc (RT²), the largest enterprise front-end software platform serving Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. wireless industry, announced today its acquisition of Your Ware Software, a provider of customized business intelligence, sales, and compensation reporting for the wireless retail postpaid channel. Trusted by tier-one telecom carriers to provide retail activation, point-of-sale (POS), payments, business intelligence, and inventory management solutions, RT²'s acquisition of Your Ware Software adds key capabilities to its burgeoning retail wireless store solutions, enabling further expansion into postpaid channels for customers. The purchase is expected to add access to another 4,000 postpaid locations for RT²'s industry-leading wireless retail platform, setting the company up for another banner year in 2024. "The acquisition of Your Ware significantly expands RT²'s presence in the postpaid retail environment and adds to our long-standing success as the leading enterprise POS and Payments provider in prepaid wireless channels," said Omar Azrag, CEO of RT². "The Your Ware team has similar DNA to RT² and brings a world-class level of service specializing in building and deploying customized solutions for the postpaid channel. We are thrilled to have them part of the RT2 family," says Ali Koumaiha, Founder & CPO of RT². "For 22 years, Your Ware Software has designed POS, inventory management, and commission-tracking software for authorized retailers representing tier-one U.S. telecom carriers. Our team of world-class developers and engineers are excited to join the RT² family and continue to serve our customers with the industry-leading products and services they've come to expect. This deal is a triumph for our employees and our customers," says Chris Jones, CEO of Your Ware Software. Neither party disclosed the terms of the deal at this time, and it will remain confidential. In August of 2022, RT² acquired IAS, formerly Qpay from InComm Payments, specializing in customizable payment and technology solutions and the payment processor of choice for retailers, master agents and wireless carriers. RT² has since transformed and simplified the payment offering with an industry-first service model, much to the delight of their long-term customers. About Real Time Technologies (RT²) RT² offers the most flexible cutting-edge Retail Management Solutions that encompass POS, inventory management, payment services, frontline employee management & engagement, business intelligence, and digital automation tools for the wireless industry. RT² support Fortune 500 companies unify their customer experience and remove pain points across multiple retail touch points. Now serving over 14,000 retail locations across the US, Territories, and Canada. RT² prides itself on fostering a family culture and a dynamic work environment where team members are set up to make meaningful contributions across the organization. Learn more at www.rt2.com.

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POS Solutions

XY Retail Introduces Cutting-Edge Order Management System for Luxury Retailers

XY Retail | January 08, 2024

XY Retail, a leader in innovative retail solutions, today announces the launch of its latest product, an advanced Order Management System (OMS) that comes fully pre-integrated with the XY Point of Sale (POS) and Clienteling solutions. In response to evolving retailer needs, XY Retail has engineered a comprehensive OMS that not only streamlines order processing but also works seamlessly with the existing XY POS and Clienteling systems. This integrated approach marks a significant leap forward in providing retailers with a unified platform to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business performance. The XY Retail OMS offers: End-to-End Integration: The XY OMS is intricately woven into the fabric of the XY POS and Clienteling systems, fostering a holistic retail ecosystem. This end-to-end integration ensures a fluid and synchronized customer experience across all touchpoints. Effortless Order Processing: With a user-friendly interface, the OMS simplifies and accelerates order management, from initiation to fulfillment. Retailers can now seamlessly track and fulfill customer orders with precision. Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Leveraging the synergy with the XY POS, the OMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. This empowers retailers to optimize stock, minimize overstock or stockouts, and enhance overall inventory management. Clienteling Enhancement: The integrated OMS elevates the clienteling experience by consolidating customer information from POS transactions and order history. Sales associates can access a comprehensive view of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history, enabling personalized and targeted engagement. Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing the power of interconnected systems, the XY Retail OMS enables data-driven decision-making. Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, inventory trends, and sales performance, facilitating strategic planning and business growth. "We're excited to introduce our integrated Order Management System, marking a significant step in advancing retail operations,” said Susan Jeffers, CEO of XY Retail. “By seamlessly merging order management with our POS and Clienteling systems, we provide retailers with a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern commerce efficiently and strategically. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering our clients to stay ahead in a dynamic industry." About XY Retail XY Retail is a trailblazer in the world of unified commerce solutions, revolutionizing the retail landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our microservices based, API-first, cloud-native platform seamlessly and vertically integrates mobile point of sale, order management, clienteling, and omnichannel capabilities, empowering global brands to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of retail, XY Retail is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of innovative and dynamic commerce.

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POS Retail

GK Announces GK Engage, a Highly Personalized Loyalty Solution for Any Retail Touch Point Including Mobile Devices and Point-of-Sale

Business Wire | September 28, 2023

GK today announced its latest solution, GK Engage, a modern, comprehensive and AI-powered loyalty program for every omnichannel retail touch point. This solution empowers retailers to create highly contextualized and personalized outreach including messaging, discounts and rewards that improve customer lifetime value and enrich a retailer’s competitive differentiation. GK Engage was announced at GK’s first-ever Retail Innovation Summit for the Americas, which is taking place Sept. 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can view GK Engage, alongside other GK solutions, at the newly unveiled GK Customer Experience Center. GK is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) technology and, as a result, its product team has talked with retailers who wanted more out of their loyalty systems. To fill this gap, GK developed GK Engage, a modern take on loyalty. The solution draws inspiration from two successful GK solutions, MCA, GK’s mobile loyalty program, and T+ Loyalty. These predecessor technologies have serviced more than one billion transactions per year for over six million registered users. Now, GK Engage customers will reap these benefits at scale using one comprehensive platform that works across a diverse range of online and in-store retail touch points. GK Engage provides retailers with real-time, AI-driven, personalized loyalty offers that surprise and delight customers. The complete solution creates loyalty tiers that automatically track all customer interactions and generate relevant campaigns to safeguard long-term retailer relationships and customer lifetime value. GK Engage can be integrated with merchandise master data and customer data to ensure all recommendations, promotions, coupons and more are beneficial to the individual customer, as well as the retailer’s current inventory availability and financial goals. What’s more, GK Engage is already integrated into GK’s OmniPOS solution across all touch points including traditional POS, self-checkout kiosks, mobile, and frictionless store technology like GK GO. “GK Engage was created for any retailer, regardless of where they are in their loyalty journey,” said Michael Jaszczyk, chief digital transformation officer, GK and CEO, GK Americas. “The solution is extremely flexible. For some retailers, GK Engage will serve as a complete solution, while others may integrate the solution into a CRM or an existing customer offer system. I look forward to presenting GK Engage alongside our other innovative solutions at the now unveiled GK Customer Experience Center.” Today and tomorrow, GK customers and partners from across the U.S., Latin America and Canada are gathering at GK’s US headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to take part in the 2023 GK Retail Innovation Summit. In addition to hearing from renowned retail experts like Greg Buzek, founder and president, IHL Group, attendees can visit GK’s new Customer Experience Center. The center showcases GK technology and allows viewers to envision a modern, efficient and exceptional shopper experience across various key touch points including the point-of-sale, the fuel pump and the e-commerce site. At the Customer Experience Center, prospective retail customers can hear from solution experts who will help them to design the best solution deployment for their end-customers. The technology featured in the center includes GK Engage, GK OmniPOS, self check-out, GK Drive, GK GO, GK AIR (artificial intelligence for retail) and fraud prevention solutions from Fujitsu, which invested in GK as a strategic investor earlier this year. About GK GK breaks down the barriers to unified commerce with its open CLOUD4RETAIL platform and a broad portfolio based on it, like OmniPOS for point of sale, mobile POS, mobile customer engagement and a full range of store/back-office solutions. The company is a recognized leader in omnichannel retail, offering a single, global software platform for all retail formats and touch points. Ten of the Top 50 retailers worldwide rely on GK, and GK is the fastest growing global POS provider in new installations over the last three years. For more information, visit www.gk-software.com.

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POS Retail

Leading Wireless Retail Platform Provider Real Time Technologies Continues Growth and Expansion With Acquisition of Your Ware Software

Real Time Technologies (RT²) | January 24, 2024

Real Time Technologies, Inc (RT²), the largest enterprise front-end software platform serving Fortune 500 companies in the U.S. wireless industry, announced today its acquisition of Your Ware Software, a provider of customized business intelligence, sales, and compensation reporting for the wireless retail postpaid channel. Trusted by tier-one telecom carriers to provide retail activation, point-of-sale (POS), payments, business intelligence, and inventory management solutions, RT²'s acquisition of Your Ware Software adds key capabilities to its burgeoning retail wireless store solutions, enabling further expansion into postpaid channels for customers. The purchase is expected to add access to another 4,000 postpaid locations for RT²'s industry-leading wireless retail platform, setting the company up for another banner year in 2024. "The acquisition of Your Ware significantly expands RT²'s presence in the postpaid retail environment and adds to our long-standing success as the leading enterprise POS and Payments provider in prepaid wireless channels," said Omar Azrag, CEO of RT². "The Your Ware team has similar DNA to RT² and brings a world-class level of service specializing in building and deploying customized solutions for the postpaid channel. We are thrilled to have them part of the RT2 family," says Ali Koumaiha, Founder & CPO of RT². "For 22 years, Your Ware Software has designed POS, inventory management, and commission-tracking software for authorized retailers representing tier-one U.S. telecom carriers. Our team of world-class developers and engineers are excited to join the RT² family and continue to serve our customers with the industry-leading products and services they've come to expect. This deal is a triumph for our employees and our customers," says Chris Jones, CEO of Your Ware Software. Neither party disclosed the terms of the deal at this time, and it will remain confidential. In August of 2022, RT² acquired IAS, formerly Qpay from InComm Payments, specializing in customizable payment and technology solutions and the payment processor of choice for retailers, master agents and wireless carriers. RT² has since transformed and simplified the payment offering with an industry-first service model, much to the delight of their long-term customers. About Real Time Technologies (RT²) RT² offers the most flexible cutting-edge Retail Management Solutions that encompass POS, inventory management, payment services, frontline employee management & engagement, business intelligence, and digital automation tools for the wireless industry. RT² support Fortune 500 companies unify their customer experience and remove pain points across multiple retail touch points. Now serving over 14,000 retail locations across the US, Territories, and Canada. RT² prides itself on fostering a family culture and a dynamic work environment where team members are set up to make meaningful contributions across the organization. Learn more at www.rt2.com.

Read More

POS Solutions

XY Retail Introduces Cutting-Edge Order Management System for Luxury Retailers

XY Retail | January 08, 2024

XY Retail, a leader in innovative retail solutions, today announces the launch of its latest product, an advanced Order Management System (OMS) that comes fully pre-integrated with the XY Point of Sale (POS) and Clienteling solutions. In response to evolving retailer needs, XY Retail has engineered a comprehensive OMS that not only streamlines order processing but also works seamlessly with the existing XY POS and Clienteling systems. This integrated approach marks a significant leap forward in providing retailers with a unified platform to enhance operational efficiency, customer engagement, and overall business performance. The XY Retail OMS offers: End-to-End Integration: The XY OMS is intricately woven into the fabric of the XY POS and Clienteling systems, fostering a holistic retail ecosystem. This end-to-end integration ensures a fluid and synchronized customer experience across all touchpoints. Effortless Order Processing: With a user-friendly interface, the OMS simplifies and accelerates order management, from initiation to fulfillment. Retailers can now seamlessly track and fulfill customer orders with precision. Real-Time Inventory Visibility: Leveraging the synergy with the XY POS, the OMS provides real-time visibility into inventory levels. This empowers retailers to optimize stock, minimize overstock or stockouts, and enhance overall inventory management. Clienteling Enhancement: The integrated OMS elevates the clienteling experience by consolidating customer information from POS transactions and order history. Sales associates can access a comprehensive view of customer interactions, preferences, and purchase history, enabling personalized and targeted engagement. Data-Driven Decision Making: Harnessing the power of interconnected systems, the XY Retail OMS enables data-driven decision-making. Retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, inventory trends, and sales performance, facilitating strategic planning and business growth. "We're excited to introduce our integrated Order Management System, marking a significant step in advancing retail operations,” said Susan Jeffers, CEO of XY Retail. “By seamlessly merging order management with our POS and Clienteling systems, we provide retailers with a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern commerce efficiently and strategically. This integration underscores our commitment to delivering innovative solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, and empowering our clients to stay ahead in a dynamic industry." About XY Retail XY Retail is a trailblazer in the world of unified commerce solutions, revolutionizing the retail landscape with cutting-edge technology and innovation. Our microservices based, API-first, cloud-native platform seamlessly and vertically integrates mobile point of sale, order management, clienteling, and omnichannel capabilities, empowering global brands to deliver unparalleled customer experiences. With a commitment to excellence and a vision for the future of retail, XY Retail is at the forefront of shaping the next generation of innovative and dynamic commerce.

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POS Retail

GK Announces GK Engage, a Highly Personalized Loyalty Solution for Any Retail Touch Point Including Mobile Devices and Point-of-Sale

Business Wire | September 28, 2023

GK today announced its latest solution, GK Engage, a modern, comprehensive and AI-powered loyalty program for every omnichannel retail touch point. This solution empowers retailers to create highly contextualized and personalized outreach including messaging, discounts and rewards that improve customer lifetime value and enrich a retailer’s competitive differentiation. GK Engage was announced at GK’s first-ever Retail Innovation Summit for the Americas, which is taking place Sept. 25-26 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Attendees can view GK Engage, alongside other GK solutions, at the newly unveiled GK Customer Experience Center. GK is a world leader in point-of-sale (POS) technology and, as a result, its product team has talked with retailers who wanted more out of their loyalty systems. To fill this gap, GK developed GK Engage, a modern take on loyalty. The solution draws inspiration from two successful GK solutions, MCA, GK’s mobile loyalty program, and T+ Loyalty. These predecessor technologies have serviced more than one billion transactions per year for over six million registered users. Now, GK Engage customers will reap these benefits at scale using one comprehensive platform that works across a diverse range of online and in-store retail touch points. GK Engage provides retailers with real-time, AI-driven, personalized loyalty offers that surprise and delight customers. The complete solution creates loyalty tiers that automatically track all customer interactions and generate relevant campaigns to safeguard long-term retailer relationships and customer lifetime value. GK Engage can be integrated with merchandise master data and customer data to ensure all recommendations, promotions, coupons and more are beneficial to the individual customer, as well as the retailer’s current inventory availability and financial goals. What’s more, GK Engage is already integrated into GK’s OmniPOS solution across all touch points including traditional POS, self-checkout kiosks, mobile, and frictionless store technology like GK GO. “GK Engage was created for any retailer, regardless of where they are in their loyalty journey,” said Michael Jaszczyk, chief digital transformation officer, GK and CEO, GK Americas. “The solution is extremely flexible. For some retailers, GK Engage will serve as a complete solution, while others may integrate the solution into a CRM or an existing customer offer system. I look forward to presenting GK Engage alongside our other innovative solutions at the now unveiled GK Customer Experience Center.” Today and tomorrow, GK customers and partners from across the U.S., Latin America and Canada are gathering at GK’s US headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina to take part in the 2023 GK Retail Innovation Summit. In addition to hearing from renowned retail experts like Greg Buzek, founder and president, IHL Group, attendees can visit GK’s new Customer Experience Center. The center showcases GK technology and allows viewers to envision a modern, efficient and exceptional shopper experience across various key touch points including the point-of-sale, the fuel pump and the e-commerce site. At the Customer Experience Center, prospective retail customers can hear from solution experts who will help them to design the best solution deployment for their end-customers. The technology featured in the center includes GK Engage, GK OmniPOS, self check-out, GK Drive, GK GO, GK AIR (artificial intelligence for retail) and fraud prevention solutions from Fujitsu, which invested in GK as a strategic investor earlier this year. About GK GK breaks down the barriers to unified commerce with its open CLOUD4RETAIL platform and a broad portfolio based on it, like OmniPOS for point of sale, mobile POS, mobile customer engagement and a full range of store/back-office solutions. The company is a recognized leader in omnichannel retail, offering a single, global software platform for all retail formats and touch points. Ten of the Top 50 retailers worldwide rely on GK, and GK is the fastest growing global POS provider in new installations over the last three years. For more information, visit www.gk-software.com.

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