A Practical Guide to Sustainability and Energy Management in Retail Environments

Retailers are seeking opportunities to improve margins while leveraging corporate sustainability to build their brand. Consumers want to know more about the brands they buy, and shareholders expect more transparency regarding product, social, environmental and operational sustainability. This paper outlines how retailers can leverage an energy management and sustainability strategy to create brand loyalty, increase margins, mitigate risk, reduce impact on the environment, and maintain competitiveness.

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Manhattan Associates

For more than 30 years we have earned a reputation for building technology solutions that solve the most complex business problems in supply chain, inventory and omnichannel.

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POS Solutions

7 Tips on How to Choose a POS System

Article | April 4, 2024

For any type or size of merchant, the point of sale (POS) is by definition a mission-critical system. In addition to being a basic tool for retail and companies to conduct business, today’s point of sale systems can also be profitably tied in with key operational solutions, such as inventory management, labor scheduling, and customer marketing. Here’s How to Choose a POS System for Your Unique Business Before we dive into how to choose a POS system, let’s look at why you need one in the first place. A POS system does more than transactions. It's the beating heart of your store's operations, from inventory management and loss prevention to employee management, AR/AP tracking and more. Small businesses of all types and across industries use POS systems: Retail and consumer good stores Liquor stores (within grocery stores and standalone wine & spirits stores Tobacco stores and smoke shops Grocery stores and markets Convenience stores Lawn & garden centers Hardware stores But different types of businesses have different POS system needs. POS systems’ importance makes selecting the one that’s right for your business a challenge. Here are seven tips to help formulate the right questions to ask POS vendors as you narrow down your options. Answer these 5 questions before you research POS systems What features does your current POS system lack or do poorly? This will help you prioritize your POS needs and ensure current pain points are addressed with your new POS system. What type of POS hardware will you need? From touchscreen monitors and cash drawers to receipt printers and pinpads, determining your POS hardware needs helps you know what to look for and get cost estimates from POS vendors. What POS software, apps, and integrations will you need? Your POS software is the brains of the operation. Be sure to identify specific functionality and app integrations needed. What does your business growth plan look like? This is an important one. You want a POS system that can scale with you as you grow. The last thing you need is to replace your POS system again because you've outgrown it. What is your budget? Every POS vendor you talk to will ask this question, so it's best to prepare for it. If you don't have a number in mind, you can use our Build & Price Tool to create your ideal POS system and see what it would cost. Choose a POS system that makes checkout a breeze Is your checkout process simple and easy for customers, or do you find that long lines and slow checkout speeds are holding you back? You need to maximize the checkout space for an optimal customer experience. POS systems with a minimal footprint keep things simple for your employees, and can even allow you to have multiple registers to service customers. The pace of transactions is a key factor as well. Employees must be able to quickly scan products or use smart, intuitive product lookup or keyed entries to minimize wait time. You can even use mobile devices connected to your POS system to augment your checkout capabilities. Consider your inventory management needs One of the biggest benefits of POS systems is their ability to automatically deduct sold items from inventory, making key measurements such as inventory on hand and item-by-item sales data far more accurate. However, if your business operates with a limited, relatively uncomplicated inventory – e.g. just a few hundred SKUs with little variation in size, style, or color – choosing a POS system with advanced inventory management capabilities will be a wasted investment. Key questions to ask include: How many items do you carry in each store? Do you look at each item as a unique item or as a style? How do you order inventory from suppliers if the item has varying colors/sizes? Do you need to see item attributes as a matrix? Do other buyers/store personnel need to be able to fill in or look up on-hand information without visiting the store floor or calling other stores? What merchandise information do you want to be able to view at your desktop? Decide what additional functions you want your POS to provide Even if your needs are currently fairly basic, that doesn’t mean they won’t expand as you grow. Consider additional capabilities you may want your system to provide in the future, such as: Time and attendance/time clock Sales reporting, broken down by associate, store, department, time of day, etc. Customer marketing, allowing you to capture the customer’s purchase history and other data for future marketing, and customer loyalty programs. Transfer systems, allowing associates to transfer merchandise between stores, and on-hand lookup, allowing each store to see at a glance what inventory other stores have on hand. Gift cards, tracking gift cards sold and their redemption. Identify the types of POS peripherals you will need POS system hardware isn’t limited to the cashier’s touchscreen. Think about whether dual display screens, showing customers what they ordered to improve accuracy, or displaying ads to promote key items, are worth the investment. Compare thermal printers to ribbon printers: thermal printers use heat to print receipts so even though they cost more initially, retailers can save long-term on the ink cartridges required by ribbon printers. Determine which POS security features your store needs Security must be a key element of any POS system, from the basics (lockable cash drawers, cash drops, and password-protected access) to erecting firewalls around the POS system’s network to guard against malware attacks. Retailers accepting payment cards must ensure their POS systems comply with the latest Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Retailers doing a high volume of payment card business may want to consider using encryption, which protects customer data during transactions by creating a cryptographic key that denies access to anyone without the appropriate decrypting key. Don't forget about POS reporting to help guide your business We get it: reporting is not a "sexy" feature. But it is critically important. Sales reports, inventory and catalog reports, and customer history tracking are just a few of the key data points available in most POS systems to help you make smart business decisions. When it comes to choosing a POS system, reporting cannot be overlooked. Ready to Choose a POS System for Your Business? Finding a POS system that meets your business’ current needs while also providing the tools for future growth can be challenging. Keep both short-term and long-term requirements in mind when evaluating different solutions. You can find more must-ask questions and considerations to choose the right POS system in our Retail POS System Buyers' Guide. For example: Local database vs. cloud: what type of software is right for your business? What information do you need to choose a credit card processor? The questions you need to ask to get past a POS system sales pitch

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POS Solutions

8 POS Software Trends for 2022: New Forecasts and What's Next 2

Article | March 18, 2024

When the pandemic first started, most retail stores had to close, and some even suffered financial losses. Know more how retailers up scaled their businesses. Online shopping is quickly becoming the new norm in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most retailers had to migrate their businesses to the cloud in order to meet the current demands of highly tech-savvy consumers, and the use of POS software has become more important than ever. A cloud-hosted POS solution is no longer an option for small and large businesses, but rather a requirement. POS systems have provided retailers with a more efficient way to track inventory and manage sales, replacing the old cash register and traditional methods of selling. As ecommerce grows, POS solutions play an important role in increasing convenience for online customers and providing a customer-centric experience. To keep up with the latest POS system developments, there is a list of the most important POS software trends to watch for. By understanding current POS software adoption reports and key insights, you can maximize the potential of your existing POS solution or, better yet, have better ideas on financing trends by POS that can bring value to your retail business. Consumers had to reorient their purchasing toward needs like food, medicine, and other home items as the viral pandemic threatened everyone's health and safety. The US Census Bureau recently released a report that found that throughout the pandemic, retail stores providing food and beverages saw the biggest monthly growth in retail sales. To better understand how POS systems are assisting retailers in overcoming the challenges posed by the rapidly changing retail landscape, here’s a list of the most recent and importantPOS software trends: Cashless Transactions via Mobile POS Systems Adoption of Cloud-Hosted POS Systems Multichannel Commerce Customer Layout Programs Personalized Shopping Experience AI Integration in POS Systems Use of POS Data Analytics Simple POS Hardware Investing in modern POS systems and maximizing their rich feature sets can help your retail business go a long way, from attracting new customers to retaining a loyal customer base that can drive sales and support your long-term growth.

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Ecommerce Merchandising

Retail POS Strategies for Seamless Checkout Experiences

Article | March 18, 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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COVID-19 will bring lasting innovation to retail

Article | April 21, 2020

To say these are interesting times for the retail sector would be an understatement. COVID-19 has created a dichotomy the likes of which we've never seen before. On the one hand, a large percentage of retailers have closed up shop temporarily either in response to regulatory mandates, or due to dwindling customer foot-traffic. And on the other hand, a number of retailers remain open for business and under great strain as nearly all remaining retail traffic is funneled to grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores and big-box retailers considered to be essential in the eyes of regulators.

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Spotlight

Manhattan Associates

For more than 30 years we have earned a reputation for building technology solutions that solve the most complex business problems in supply chain, inventory and omnichannel.

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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.

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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.

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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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