How warby parker and story approach innovation

Warby Parker’s Neil Blumenthal and STORY’s Rachel Shechtman may come from different backgrounds, but they both built brands with a fresh take on retail. Although one company sells prescription eyeglasses and the other has become a uniquely New York attraction, they were both founded by entrepreneurs with a keen eye for innovation. The two friends and entrepreneurs joined Retail Gets Real to chat about building a brand around a crazy idea and how retailers can evolve with the changing retail landscape. Blumenthal didn’t intend to go into retail, but he had an idea to build what he thought of as “a business that would change the world.” In lieu of pursuing a career in business consulting, he created Warby Parker with three friends from his MBA program. “I think we were excited and passionate about the opportunity because eyewear is a $100 billion market globally,” Blumenthal says. He not only wanted to change the eyeglass selling model, but give back by donating a pair of eyeglasses for each pair he sold.

Spotlight

Business Integration Partners

Bip is the primary Italian consulting company, with a global footprint. Founded in 2003, Bip today employs more than 2,000 professionals, who deliver management consulting and business integration services supporting companies in the research and adoption of disruptive technological innovation.Today, we export our professional services, operating outside Italy for an increasing number of international clients. Strong relationships with local stakeholders and focused acquisitions have allowed us to extend our networks and establish ourselves as a trusted advisor in new target markets.

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POS Solutions

Top 10 Must-Read Point of Sale Books for Businesses to Master Payments

Article | March 18, 2024

Discover top point of sale books and dive into valuable insights, strategies, and industry tactics to optimize payment systems, improve CX, and stay at the forefront of emerging trends in the market. Point of sale (POS) solutions serve as the cornerstone of payment processing, encompassing the technology, processes, and strategies in evolving business landscape today. These solutions are the pivotal intersection where customers and businesses come together to complete purchases, making it a critical component of any business' infrastructure. They enable businesses to streamline sales processes, accurately track inventory, gain valuable insights into customer behavior, and optimize overall efficiency. As businesses strive to optimize payment processes, enhance customer experiences, and safeguard sensitive data, the need for comprehensive resources becomes paramount. The article provides carefully curated point of sale books, offering invaluable insights, strategies, and industry best practices to empower businesses to navigate the intricacies of payment systems confidently. By embracing the wealth of information contained within these must-read POS books, organizations can gain a competitive edge, improve operational efficiency, foster customer loyalty, and unlock the full potential of their payment infrastructure. Design and Implementation of Electronic Payment System Gateway Author – Olayinka Owolabi, Ailya Izhar, Aihab Khan, Malik Sikandar, Wajeeh Javed, and Shiraz Baig A comprehensive book, ‘Design and Implementation of Electronic Payment System Gateway’, provides an overview of the crucial role played by electronic payment system gateways in facilitating secure and efficient transactions. The book addresses the key requirements of both customers and merchants in utilizing a trustworthy and robust gateway for online payments. Recognizing the prevailing skepticism surrounding local online payment systems, the authors, Olayinka Owolabi, Ailya Izhar, Aihab Khan, Malik Sikandar, Wajeeh Javed, and Shiraz Baig, emphasize the need for enhanced security and privacy measures to instill confidence among users. With a focus on meeting diverse needs and ensuring a seamless user experience, this book is an invaluable resource for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of electronic payment systems and establish a reliable gateway that inspires trust and delivers optimal performance. A Small Business Guide to Understanding Cloud-Based Point of Sale (POS) Systems Author – Keith Christy ‘A Small Business Guide to Understanding Cloud-Based Point of Sale (POS) Systems’ offers a comprehensive resource for business owners seeking to harness the power of cloud-based POS systems for driving growth and enhancing operational efficiency. The POS book, authored by Keith Christy, highlights the inherent advantages of cloud-based solutions, empowering business owners to manage their operations and generate revenue from anywhere in the world. With a focus on leveraging the right applications to optimize business performance, the book provides valuable insights into selecting the ideal POS system by outlining seven crucial questions to ask potential vendors. Additionally, it emphasizes the long-term benefits of cloud-based systems, showcasing how they can effectively engage customers even after they have left the premises and make informed decisions, save time, reduce costs, and unlock the full potential of their POS investment. Payment Gateway Solutions: Everything You Need to Know Author – Anirudh Kataria An indispensable resource tailored for online business owners, ‘Payment Gateway Solutions: Everything You Need to Know,’ provides a comprehensive understanding of payment gateways. With beginners in mind, this book presents a detailed exploration of all essential aspects related to payment gateways. It acknowledges that not everyone possesses expertise in this domain and therefore, provides a concise yet comprehensive summary of payment gateway fundamentals. From core concepts to practical implementation strategies, the author, Anirudh Kataria, offers invaluable insights into the functioning of payment gateways and how they can effectively charge customers in their online businesses. With the knowledge acquired from this resource, readers can confidently navigate the intricacies of payment gateway solutions and make informed decisions for their enterprises. High Risk Merchant Account & Payment Gateway Solutions Author – Anirudh Kataria Authored by renowned industry expert Anirudh Kataria, ‘High Risk Merchant Account & Payment Gateway Solutions’ is an invaluable resource that caters to new entrepreneurs embarking on their business ventures with utmost fidelity. The author intends to provide practical and valuable information to assist readers in comprehending various business strategies and their potential outcomes. This book aims to empower individuals and enhance their confidence in navigating the complexities of establishing a business by sharing personal insights and tricks. With a focus on learning and personal growth, the book comprehensively explains high-risk merchant account establishment and effective payment gateway solutions. By immersing themselves in this vast pool of knowledge, readers can acquire the necessary skills and understanding to overcome barriers and challenges along their entrepreneurial journey. Payment Gateway Secrets Author – Avinash Chandra ‘Payment Gateway Secrets’ is a comprehensive book written specifically for startups, small businesses, and brands seeking guidance in selecting the ideal payment gateway for their eCommerce stores. Acknowledging the challenges entrepreneurs face in making this critical decision, the author, Avinash Chandra, presents a thoughtfully curated list of the top 10 best online payment gateways in India. With a focus on providing valuable insights and recommendations, this book simplifies the process of choosing the most suitable payment gateway. Readers can gain a thorough understanding of their unique features, benefits, and applicability to various business needs. Regardless of whether readers are running startups, small businesses, or established brands, this resource empowers them to navigate the complex landscape of payment gateways and optimize the success of their eCommerce endeavors. Proposed Gateway Architecture for an E-Payment System Author – Ankush Khere, Mayur Patankar, and Klesh Shrirame The book, ‘Proposed Gateway Architecture for an E-Payment System,’ offers a detailed overview of electronic Payment Gateway Architecture, addressing the requirements from both customers and merchants' perspectives. The book identifies the prevalent lack of trust in local online payment gateways due to security concerns and aims to provide a secure electronic payment system that fulfills all requirements while prioritizing security and privacy. The authors, Ankush Khere, Mayur Patankar, and Klesh Shrirame, designed and developed a Proposed Gateway Architecture for E-Payment System with multilevel packet security, instilling trust in customers. Furthermore, the book conducts a comparative evaluation of various e-payment systems available, analyzing their features, advantages, and disadvantages for customers, merchants, e-payment service providers, and financial institutions. Payments Systems in the U.S. - Third Edition: A Guide for the Payments Professional Author – Carol Coye Benson, Scott Loftesness, and Russ Jones A definitive resource, ‘Payments Systems in the U.S. - Third Edition: A Guide for the Payments Professional,’ provides an insightful examination of the various payment systems operating within the United States. The authors, Carol Coye Benson, Scott Loftesness, and Russ Jones, delve into the inner workings of these systems, encompassing cards, checks, Automated Clearing House (ACH), wires, and cash, which facilitate the seamless movement of funds between consumers and enterprises. With the third edition featuring updated information on each system, an additional chapter on payments innovation, and a glossary of industry terminology, readers can stay abreast of the latest developments and enhance their expertise in navigating the dynamic landscape of payment systems in the United States. The Payments Industry: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Payment Systems Author – Nate Seidel ‘The Payments Industry: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Payment Systems’ serves as a fundamental resource that offers a detailed introduction to the realm of payment systems. With a focus on the electronic infrastructure enabling seamless money transfers between bank accounts, the author, Nate Seidel, explores the underlying hardware, software, and communication networks that form the backbone of these systems. The book encompasses a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets and elucidates the essential role played by payment systems as the 'plumbing' for financial transactions. This guide equips beginners with a solid foundation in understanding the payments industry, enabling them to navigate its complexities and make informed decisions in this ever-evolving landscape. Payment Processes for Identity Federations: the SAML-based Payment Approach Author – David J. Lutz Authored by David J. Lutz, ‘Payment Processes for Identity Federations: the SAML-based Payment Approach’ is a definitive resource that provides a complete exploration of payment processes within identity federations, with a specific focus on the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)-based payment approach. This authoritative book delves into the unique challenges and considerations involved in integrating payment systems within the framework of identity federations. It also offers valuable insights into how businesses can leverage their existing identity federation infrastructure to enable seamless and secure payment transactions. With a strong emphasis on both the business implications and technical intricacies, this book serves as an indispensable reference for payment professionals, identity federation stakeholders, and individuals seeking a deeper understanding of the intersection between payment processes and identity federations. Trusting Mobile Payment: How The Trust-Factor Forms the Mobile Payment Process Author – Andrea Bauer With extensive expertise and profound industry insights, Andrea Bauer presents a comprehensive exploration of the role of trust in the development and establishment of mobile payment services in the book: Trusting Mobile Payment: How The Trust-Factor Forms the Mobile Payment Process. Bauer delves into the complicated question of trust, examining its precise nature, functions within the realm of technical solutions, and the essential aspects and determinants relevant to mobile payment services. With meticulous analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics between trust and mobile payments, catering to the needs of businesses and stakeholders navigating the evolving landscape of mobile payment systems. It stands as an authoritative resource, equipping industry professionals and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between trust and the mobile payment process. Conclusion Mastering payments is an essential endeavor for any business aiming for success in the digital era. Delving into the wealth of knowledge presented in the top 10 must-read point of sale books, individuals can acquire an all-around understanding of payment systems, optimize customer experiences, implement robust security measures, and stay abreast of emerging trends. These POS quick books offer distinct perspectives and practical strategies that can be directly applied to enhance growth, bolster security, and provide exceptional payment experiences within a business. With these invaluable resources in hand, individuals can embark on a transformative journey toward becoming experts in the field of payments.

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POS Solutions, POS Retail

How AI Can Help Traditional Retailers Compete Against D2C

Article | January 12, 2024

Global annual spending on artificial intelligence (AI) by retailers is expected to surpass $7.3 billion by 2022, according to Juniper Research, and IBM estimates that 79% will implement AI for customer intelligence and 75% for marketing, advertising and campaign management. Traditional retailers are hoping to reap the benefits of employing AI in these areas, but with the growth of direct to consumer (D2C) retailers – 40% of U.S. internet users expect D2C retailers to account for nearly half of their purchases within the next five years – traditional retailers must find efficient ways to catch up.

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POS Solutions

What Is Omnichannel Retail? Your Business Strategy for 2022

Article | February 14, 2024

Think ‘omnichannel retail,’ and the first brands that spring to mind might be Target, Alibaba, or Best Buy. The term is usually associated with giant brands and mass merchants—but it doesn’t have to be. Walmart, Amazon, Sephora, and their ilk may dominate the headlines as early adopters achieving great feats, such as one-hour store pickup, record sales after a viral TikTok, or loyalty-boosting mobile apps. But omnichannel retail is just as achievable for small-to mid-sized brands and just as critical to future success.

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POS Hardware

Why Businesses Should Switch to Cloud-based POS System

Article | July 28, 2023

Embrace the future and need of business operations with cloud-based POS systems. Experience unrivaled features such as unparalleled flexibility, scalability, real-time analytics, and more. Introduction Key Reasons for Businesses to Switch to Cloud-based POS System • Accessibility and Mobility • Flexibility and Mobility • Scalability • Improved customer experience • Cost saving Introduction With constant evolution in payment technologies, businesses are constantly looking for innovative ways to streamline their operations and improve their bottom line. As a result, innovative payment solutions are increasingly playing a crucial role in enhancing their transforming and upscaling businesses. One such technology that has revolutionized the way businesses operate is cloud based POS systems. A significant transition from traditional POS systems to cloud based POS systems has been witnessed in recent years. Businesses worldwide are increasingly deploying cloud-based point of sale systems to adapt to emerging payment technologies, improve customer experience, enhance payment security, and others. According to a study by SalesForce, more than 20% of retail businesses currently use a cloud-based POS, and around 29% of businesses plan to deploy it in the coming future. Key Reasons for Businesses to Switch to Cloud based POS System Payment processes are presently propelled by connectivity and technological advancements, which have resulted in a significant impact on the payments industry. Consequently, it has become imperative for businesses to adopt point-of-sale systems powered by agile, cloud-based software to harness the full benefits of modern cutting-edge technology. Deploying a cloud POS system can guarantee optimal customer experience to businesses while remaining aligned with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Here are the primary reasons why businesses should contemplate the adoption of a cloud based POS system: Real-Time Accessibility In today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to access real-time data is crucial. Cloud based point of sale systems allow businesses to access data from any device with internet access, enabling real-time inventory management, sales tracking, and customer insights. This real-time data accessibility empowers enterprises to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and improve customer experience. Flexibility and Mobility Cloud POS solutions are highly flexible, making it easier for businesses to adapt to changing needs and ecosystems. Leveraging a POS system, businesses can quickly and easily add or remove products, update pricing, and make other changes to their inventory. Furthermore, with the accessibility from any location, these cloud based POS systems enable employees/ staff to work remotely. These capabilities are especially useful for businesses that sell seasonal products, experience fluctuations in demand, or have multiple locations. Scalability With legacy POS systems, businesses need to invest in new hardware to expand their operations, which can be costly and time-consuming. However, cloud-based POS systems offer businesses the flexibility to scale up or down their operations without worrying about upgrading their hardware. In addition, businesses can seamlessly add new locations, products, and users without any hardware upgrades. Improved Customer Experience Cloud based POS systems for retail enable businesses to provide a seamless customer experience by allowing employees to access customer data from any device with an internet connection. This allows businesses to personalize their offerings, offer faster service, and resolve customer complaints quickly. The ability to access real-time data also enables businesses to anticipate customer needs and preferences, allowing them to provide tailored promotions and recommendations. Cost Savings Businesses need to invest in expensive hardware and software, as well as pay for ongoing maintenance and support while using a legacy POS system. Switching to a cloud POS system can result in significant cost savings for businesses. As these POS solutions require minimal hardware and software investments and often come with a low monthly subscription fee, businesses can save on maintenance and support costs, as these are typically included in the subscription fee. Bottom Line A cloud-based POS system with seamless integration offers an extensive business overview and can perform operations much more than accept orders and payments. Not only does it streamline services, but it also provides insightful data and simplifies day-to-day business management, allowing business owners to focus on development. It is evident that combining day-to-day operations with cloud-based POS software is now a critical requirement for businesses. In addition, the technological evolution of these systems in recent years and the possibilities for continuous development have made point-of-sale data, inventory, staff, and payment management much easier for businesses. Since the world is becoming increasingly digital, it is imperative that businesses adapt and adopt cloud based POS systems to remain competitive and relevant. Therefore, businesses should consider the benefits of cloud based POS systems and make the switch to ensure long-term success and growth.

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Spotlight

Business Integration Partners

Bip is the primary Italian consulting company, with a global footprint. Founded in 2003, Bip today employs more than 2,000 professionals, who deliver management consulting and business integration services supporting companies in the research and adoption of disruptive technological innovation.Today, we export our professional services, operating outside Italy for an increasing number of international clients. Strong relationships with local stakeholders and focused acquisitions have allowed us to extend our networks and establish ourselves as a trusted advisor in new target markets.

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.

Read More

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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