Following a record year in 2022, real-time data capture, printing, mobility and voice-directed solutions specialist, Dakota Integrated Solutions, has again exceeded projected revenue and growth targets during 2023.

RAIN Alliance, the non-profit industry organisation supporting the development and adoption of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), has announced that 44.8bn RAIN RFID tag chips were shipped globally in 2023.This figure represents year-on-year growth of 32%, and reflects increasing demand across a variety of industries....

RAIN Alliance, the non-profit industry organisation supporting the development and adoption of Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), has published its bi-annual research report ‘Global Markets & Applications for RAIN RFID Solutions’, produced by VDC Research.

According to Forbes, the global smart retail market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 29.1% by 2030. DENSO accompanies retailers into the future with RFID.

2022 was the second highest year of activity in the global self-checkout market, according to a brand-new report from RBR Data Services, a division of Datos Insights. Global EPOS and Self-Checkout 2023 shows that with an ever-wider range of retailers embracing the technology, competition in the market remains fierce.

Manhattan Associates Inc has announced that PacSun, the specialty retailer of emerging youth brands and trending fashion, has selected Manhattan Active Point of Sale to enhance its omnichannel sales strategy and deliver a seamless, unified customer shopping experience.

Checkout finance provider, Divido, has launched two new product capabilities ‘Divido Analytics’ and ‘Split Capability’, allowing merchants to have greater understanding and flexibility over their checkout finance experience.

There were more than two million programmable EPOS units delivered worldwide last year, according to Global EPOS and Self-Checkout 2023, a brand-new study from strategic research and consulting firm RBR Data Services, a division of Datos Insights.

The number of POS software installations at major retail and hospitality operators worldwide surpassed 9 million as of June 2023, according to a new study from strategic research and consulting firm RBR Data Services, a division of Datos Insights.

Competition between vendors to provide POS software remains fierce, with more than 125 suppliers working with major retail and hospitality chains, according to Global POS Software 2023, the latest study from strategic research and consulting firm RBR Data Services, a division of Datos Insights.

By Brad Hyett, CEO at phos.

SoftPoS, also known as Software Point of Sale, is a software-based solution enabling merchants to convert their NFC-enabled smartphones or tablets into functional payment terminals.

Manhattan Associates Inc. has announced significant enhancements to its Manhattan Active Point of Sale (POS) application designed to meet the dynamic needs of modern store associates.

By Jeremy Landau, freelance writer.

Retail's dynamic environment is seeing a real shift, driven by the integration of advanced software solutions. This goes beyond a mere technological upgrade – it's about completely transforming the customer experience.

By James Morgan, freelance writer.

Are you tired of carrying cash and credit cards everywhere you go? It's time to embrace the next big leap in cashless transactions: IoT payments. With IoT (Internet of Things) technology, payment systems are becoming more convenient, efficient and secure than ever before.

By Jennifer Richards, freelance writer.

The retail landscape is rapidly evolving, and technology is the driving force behind this transformation. As an expert in retail technology, I've observed several groundbreaking trends set to redefine the shopping experience in 2024 and beyond. Here's a look at the most prominent ones:

By Jeremy Landau, freelance writer.

It’s no secret that when your business begins to grow, you will need to add staff to accommodate the increased sales and other demands on store operations. This tends to become more complex as your business gets larger, and staff roles and responsibilities may need to be diversified and identified, so everyone knows what they should be doing.

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, businesses face an ongoing challenge: theft.Despite many retailers implementing additional security measures, the issue of stolen goods continues to plague the industry with beers and wine, health and beauty products, and baby formula being the most common stolen goods.

The retail industry is witnessing an unprecedented level of competition, and traditional marketing strategies are becoming obsolete.

Recognizing the need for enabling innovative digital customer experiences, Ergonomic Solutions will showcase a comprehensive lineup of engaging customer facing solutions to drive personal interaction in retail and hospitality environments at EuroCIS 2024 (Hall 9 A40) in Dusseldorf from 27th – 29th February.

By Ryan Edwards, freelance writer.

Omnichannel is one of the most effective retail strategies for engaging customers, driving sales, and building lasting relationships. A way to strengthen this game-changing approach is the revolutionary power of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Nexi, the European PayTech, now enables merchants in Italy to accept in-person contactless payments seamlessly and securely with Tap to Pay on iPhone, and will continue to expand the availability of Tap to Pay on iPhone to its customers in Europe where the service is available.

Cleveron, a click-and-collect automation solutions innovator, is proud to launch a modular outdoor parcel locker, Cleveron 355. The newest solution is specially engineered for DIY and home furnishing retailers, enabling the automated handover of extra-large items.

By Brad Hyett, CEO at phos.

With the news from UK Finance that 93% of all UK cards are now contactless, we cannot underestimate the importance of a reliable digital payment infrastructure. But what happens when traditional chip-and-pin machines fail? We all remember the recent tech outages across McDonald's, Tesco, and Sainsbury's, which forced the outlets to close down.

By Jack Pollard, freelance writer.

Retail is one of the most competitive landscapes out there today. Consumption is at an all-time high, but the cost of living crisis means that brands need to fight harder than ever to convince consumers that their products are what they need.

PayPoint and Teya have entered into a partnership that has led to the launch of a new service for Teya Business Account holders at PayPoint stores nationwide.

Cash handling solutions provider, Volumatic, has joined forces with EPoS solution providers MHouse Business Solutions to offer more efficient, accurate and streamlined cash processing to convenience retailers in Scotland and beyond.

SUZOHAPP is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon James as its new Executive Vice President of Retail & Transportation.Simon joined SUZOHAPP as Managing Director (MD) of the United Kingdom & Ireland, on September 1, 2018 and has made a very positive impact on our business there in a year's time.

Within the next twelve months, kiosks will be mainstream in the UK quick service restaurants (QSR), fast food and the casual dining market, according to the first UK research into consumer views and hospitality sector plans.

SUZOHAPP – a global market leader of software and hardware payment management solutions – will be exhibiting at EuroShop, the world’s largest retail trade fair from February 16-20 in Dusseldorf, Germany.On display at booth #6A75 will be the market leading CashComplete™ line of payment management solutions.

The market for self-ordering kiosks is booming, as restaurant operators seek to meet consumer demand for self-service.

Most of us have used a self-service, multi-user kiosk at some point in our lives, to purchase train tickets, to select our burger at a fast food restaurant, to pay for parking in a multi-story car park, to check-in at a hospital or airport to name just a few.

The question is, will COVID-19, or possibly some future virus strain make people reluctant about using these now necessary machines

Wirral-headquartered Evoke Creative, a design-led manufacturer of interactive digital solutions, has developed a series of innovative new products which address the challenges faced by its blue-chip client base as they re-open for customers and employees.

The Posiflex Group has responded to rising demand from customers in Europe by recruiting a seasoned executive to boost the European sales and marketing operations in its KIOSK subsidiary, a manufacturer of kiosks and interactive displays.

Elo, a Silicon Valley-based global provider of interactive solutions, has announced major enhancements to its Elo Access App.

Worldline, the payment and transactional services provider, and kiosk solutions provider Evoke Creative, have announced the first product release in what they say will be a long-term partnership: A charity donation kiosk to support Network Rail’s Route out of Homelessness charity initiative this winter.

Black Box, a global information technology solutions provider, has introduced the first solution in its Return to Work suite designed to help organisations and businesses in different industries provide a safer environment for their staff, visitors and customers.

Security and Safety Things GmbH has entered into a partnership with the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam to deploy its IoT platform for smart surveillance cameras to enhance overall fan experience, optimize ArenA operations and increase visitor security and privacy.

In addition to its knowhow as a manufacturer of complete ranges of POS systems (EPOS, Mobile POS / tablets), Aures Technologies is continuing its development in the kiosk and SCO sector (self-check-out or self-service check-out) and the omnichannel digital customer journey.

By Ed Smith, freelance journalist

Self-checkouts have proven to be an increasingly popular option for shoppers to take control of their own scanning of items. It can feel a little quicker and allows you to scan then pack your goods at your own pace rather than trying to keep up with a cashier.

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has tied up with RAKBANK to facilitate the opening of bank accounts for RAKEZ clients through a digital kiosk within its one-stop shop service centre in Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. The new kiosk allows clients to complete their application on the spot, without the need to visit a RAKBANK branch.

Janam Technologies, provider of rugged mobile computers and contactless access solutions, has introduced the newest addition to its Guardian family of access management hardware solutions.

Smart Volution is launching a new addition to its Register family of POS solutions at the National Convenience Show at the NEC Birmingham on the 25th to the 27th of April 2022.

The Ergonomic Solutions Group, the designer and manufacturer of technology mounting solutions, has launched the SpacePole Kiosk – described as a multifunctional platform with maximum flexibility for a wide range of self-service applications including self-check-in/check-out, self-ordering, endless aisle, product display & advertising, ticketing, click & collect and many more.

Doddle, the global e-commerce technology provider, has introduced a range of self-service kiosks to its solution portfolio, enabling retailers and carriers to address the challenge of online returns. 

imageHOLDERS’ bespoke kiosk technology has helped ViewPoint Feedback develop a new range of touchless self-service solutions ­- ensuring customers, employees, patients and students continue to leave vital real-time responses.

Global financial technology company SumUp has unveiled its Kiosk solution designed to transform how businesses process orders. SumUp’s Kiosk solution is claimed to be able to dramatically improve the speed at which merchants can process orders.

New Look has rolled out return kiosks in partnership with ZigZag Global, provider of technology-driven retail returns solutions, across a selection of New Look stores.

Nearly two-thirds of shoppers step into a store without a specific purchase in mind, looking to be inspired by retailers who can craft the ideal ambience through digital screens and interactive kiosks. 

Advantech, provider of AIoT platforms and services, has launched ARK-3533, a compact fanless edge computer tailored for kiosk and robotics applications.

EKM, the software solutions provider for simplified managed print, remote service automation, and anything-as-a-service (XaaS) subscription enablement, has entered into an international partnership with Global Document Lifecycle Solutions Integrator, @DOCS, an end-to-end provider for document, records, print and visitor management solutions.

Across the globe, enough food is produced to feed 10 billion people, yet hunger and famine still prevail. Each year, around 931 million tonnes of food is wasted following production and processing; of this, 569 million tonnes (61%) is consumer waste, and 118 million tonnes (13%) comes from retail.