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  • Star Micronics to Showcase POS Hardware, Partner Integrations, and the New mC-Connect Drawer at RetailNOW 2026

    Star Micronics to Showcase POS Hardware, Partner Integrations, and the New mC-Connect Drawer at RetailNOW 2026

    Visit Booth 631 to see the new mC-Connect Drawer, cloud printing, multifunction labeling, kiosk barcode scanning, and live demonstrations with MagTek and Logic Controls.

    Las Vegas, NV – July 17, 2026 – Star Micronics, a global leader in point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling technology, will exhibit at RetailNOW 2026, the retail IT channel’s #1 trade show, education conference, and networking event. The show takes place July 26–28 at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. Visitors to Booth 631 can explore Star’s latest POS hardware through live demonstrations with leading technology partners.

    RetailNOW attendees will see Star hardware working alongside software and payment technologies used across retail and hospitality.

    Featured Solutions at Booth 631

    Attendees can explore Star’s latest POS hardware and cloud technologies, including:

    • The new mC-Connect Drawer: Modernize any cash drawer with USB, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, and Bluetooth® Low Energy connectivity, enabling direct communication with today’s POS systems, tablets, and mobile devices.
    • Cloud Printing Solutions: CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online simplify cloud printing for online ordering, web applications, and multi-location deployments. From direct cloud communication using MQTT to fully managed cloud printing with remote device management, Star offers flexible options for cloud-connected POS environments.
    • Multifunction Labeling Solutions: The mC-Label2 and mC-Label3 support receipts, linerless labels, die-cut labels, and continuous media from a single device, allowing businesses to print food safety labels, order labels, barcode labels, receipts, and more.
    • Kiosk Barcode Scanning: Star’s fixed-mount kiosk barcode scanners, the NLS-FM431 and the NLS-FM3280, provide fast, hands-free scanning of 1D and 2D barcodes from printed labels and mobile devices for self-service kiosks, lockers, and customer-facing terminals.
    • Enterprise POS Hardware: From receipt printers and cash drawers to barcode scanners and cloud-connected peripherals, Star’s hardware portfolio supports retail, restaurant, grocery, healthcare, cannabis, and hospitality applications.

    Live Partner Demonstrations

    Star will feature several integrated demonstrations throughout the show.

    • One Touch Label with Logic Controls KitchenGO KDS and the mC-Label3: See Logic Controls’ KitchenGO KDS working with Star’s mC-Label3 multifunction printer to demonstrate the One Touch Label feature. Kitchen staff can generate labels directly from the KDS as orders move through production, helping identify orders and improve fulfillment accuracy.
    • Direct Cash Drawer Control with MagTek and the mC-Connect Drawer: MagTek will demonstrate the mC-Connect Drawer, showing how payment devices and POS systems can control cash drawers directly without requiring a printer connection.

    Star Solutions Featured Throughout the Show Floor

    Attendees can also see Star solutions featured at the following partner booths:

    “RetailNOW brings together the channel partners, ISVs, and solution providers that help businesses deploy POS technology every day. This year, we’re demonstrating how our hardware works alongside leading software and payment providers, from the new mC-Connect Drawer and cloud printing to multifunction labeling and kiosk technologies, showing how these technologies work together in real-world deployments.”

    Christophe Naasz, Global Director of Business Development at Star Micronics

    Meet the Star Team at RetailNOW 2026

    Francis Angoyar, Sales Accounts Executive at Star Micronics, will participate in a speaking session at the ScanSource booth on Monday, July 27, from 11:45 a.m. to 11:55 a.m., where attendees can ask questions about Star’s POS hardware and integrations.

    Star is also proud to support the Women in Technology (W2W) community at RetailNOW. Joey Richholt, Director of Human Resources at Star Micronics, will serve as a panelist during Martinis & Mentorship: The Perfect Cocktail Mixing Career Advice, Authentic Connections, and Lasting Success, taking place on Sunday, July 26, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

    Visitors are encouraged to stop by Booth 631 to see the demonstrations, meet with the Star team, and learn more about Star’s latest POS hardware and cloud technologies.

    To schedule time with the Star team or for more information, contact sales@starmicronics.com.

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    Star Micronics logo, point-of-sale (POS) hardware and technology company.

    Star Micronics is a global provider of point-of-sale (POS) hardware, cloud printing, and labeling solutions that help businesses connect digital workflows to real-world operations. Serving retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service industries, Star delivers printing, labeling, cash management, self-service, and cloud-based technologies designed to support scalable, connected, and automated environments. Star’s solutions support Android, iOS, Windows, and web-based platforms and extend into the cloud through services such as CloudPRNT Next and StarIO.Online, Star’s fully managed cloud printing service.

    Visit starmicronics.com or follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, or LinkedIn to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Christin Dorner
    Star Micronics America, Inc.
    cdorner@starmicronics.com
    848-216-3318

  • 2026 IT Channel Predictions Are Optimistic

    2026 IT Channel Predictions Are Optimistic

    Star partners in the IT channel are in a strong position going into 2026. What will define success for value-added resellers (VARs), independent software vendors (ISVs), and managed services providers (MSPs) in the IT channel this coming year? Rising IT spend, growth in subscription-based software, and expanding demand for vertical solutions all point to one of the strongest years for the IT channel in a decade. 

    Macro trends are positive. Gartner predicts worldwide IT spending will increase 9.8% from 2025 to reach $6.08 trillion in 2026. The IT services market is also growing, with Grand View Research reporting a CAGR of 9.4% from 2025 to 2026, reaching $2.59 trillion. For IT channel partners, these indicators suggest sustained opportunity rather than short-term recovery.



    Learn More About Star’s Empower Partner Program

    Table of Contents

    What Is the IT Channel in 2026?

    The IT channel, comprising VARs, ISVs, MSPs, and other technology integrators, looks very different from what it did a decade ago. Today’s IT channel partners do far more than sell hardware. They design, deploy, and support complete technology ecosystems that combine software, integrations, and ongoing services.

    This modern channel model aligns closely with Star Micronics’ hardware portfolio, cloud printing technologies, and partner ecosystem. Reliable, cloud-ready hardware remains foundational to these deployments, especially in retail, restaurant, healthcare, and other multi-location environments.

    In 2026, IT channel organizations continue shifting toward recurring services, cloud-based deployments, and specialized vertical markets. According to the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Retail IT Channel KPI Study, VARs and ISVs have rebounded from a flat or worse 2024. About 80% of the POS channel now reports growth, with 9.4% seeing revenue growth of 40% or more. These trends are setting the stage for a strong year ahead.

    Key Predictions for the IT Channel in 2026

    Based on market data and channel performance trends, several themes will define success for IT channel partners in 2026:

    • Continued growth in recurring, service-driven revenue models
    • Increased demand for cloud-ready, multi-location hardware deployments
    • Expansion into regulated and emerging verticals such as healthcare, cannabis, and senior living
    • Greater emphasis on simplifying infrastructure while enabling scale

    Partners that can deliver reliable hardware while reducing operational complexity will be best positioned to capitalize on these shifts.

    Cloud Servers and Multi Location Businesses for the IT channel

    More Insights from the Retail IT Channel KPI Study

    The RSPA’s Retail IT Channel KPI Study took a deep dive into the state of the channel, examining key performance indicators (KPIs) that IT channel partners, including VARs, ISVs, and other solutions providers, use to measure business health. One of the most telling indicators is revenue per employee.

    1. Growing Revenue per Employee

    Among RSPA member VARs and ISVs, 38.1% report $200K in revenue per employee, a long-standing benchmark for a healthy organization across both the POS channel and the broader IT channel. This figure represents a 5.6% increase from 2023 and an 11.8% improvement compared to 2022, signaling stronger operational efficiency among IT channel partners.

    RSPA views this improvement as evidence that IT channel partners are succeeding even as competition from VC-backed providers continues to grow. The study also shows that VARs and ISVs are increasingly effective at pairing high-value services with IT hardware and software. Approximately 55% of respondents report that 10% to 29% of their revenue is recurring from services, while about 6% generate more than 60% of revenue from services.

    Star partners are among the POS channel organizations benefiting from these trends. By combining managed services with hardware bundles such as printing, labeling, kiosks, and cloud-connected POS peripherals, they are well-positioned to meet evolving market demand and sustain long-term growth.

    2. Near Record Profit Margins

    In addition to revenue growth, the POS channel is seeing higher profitability. Only 1.2% of RSPA survey respondents reported a loss, while 64.7% reported profit margins between 20% and 60% or more. These results point to a healthier, more resilient channel overall.

    3. Expansion into New Markets and Niches

    Another key finding from the study is that IT channel partners are expanding beyond traditional retail and restaurant markets. Respondents reported growth in areas such as:

    In addition, many VARs and ISVs are setting their sights on healthcare (14.3%), medical office and senior living (13.1%), and non-profit organizations (11.9%). With broader solution portfolios, including cloud-ready hardware and printing technologies from Star, partners can confidently expand into these verticals.

    Ethnic Grocery Markets
    VARs and ISVs are increasingly moving into new markets, like ethnic grocery stores.

    4. Emerging Opportunities

    When asked about emerging opportunities, IT channel partners consistently pointed to larger customer profiles, expansion into enterprise accounts, and growing demand for specialized, vertical-focused software. Many also cited advancing technology as a key growth driver.

    As end customers seek to operate more efficiently and deliver better experiences, IT channel partners are increasingly positioned as strategic advisors. Simplifying infrastructure while enabling cloud-based, multi-location deployments is becoming a defining competitive advantage.

    What Makes a Star Partnership So Valuable?

    Partnerships enable VARs, ISVs, and MSPs to deliver the products, solutions, and services their markets demand. Star Micronics supports partners with an exceptional breadth of hardware, cloud technologies, and flexible deployment options designed for modern IT channel business models.

    > Star’s Portfolio

    Star Micronics offers one of the industry’s most complete portfolios of POS and labeling hardware, including receipt, label, and multifunction printers, cash drawers, scales, tablet stands, and scanners. This breadth allows VARs and ISVs to build standardized, scalable solutions across retail, restaurant, and emerging vertical markets.

    In addition to hardware, Star provides cloud technologies and services that support modern deployment models:

    • CloudPRNT Next is Star’s next-generation cloud printing technology built into compatible printers. Using MQTT-based communication, it enables fast, reliable, and scalable direct-to-cloud printing for ISVs that choose to manage their own cloud infrastructure.
    • StarIO.Online is Star’s fully managed cloud printing service. It allows ISVs to send print jobs to CloudPRNT-compatible printers through REST APIs while Star hosts and maintains the cloud infrastructure. StarIO.Online also provides real-time printer status visibility and centralized configuration related specifically to cloud printing workflows, helping partners reduce infrastructure complexity and support multi-location deployments more efficiently.
    • Star Micronics Cloud Services (SMCS) includes cloud-based tools and APIs that extend the value of Star hardware. SMCS provides developer-facing APIs that enable ISVs to build their own dashboards or workflows for printer status monitoring and connectivity. It also includes end-user tools such as PromoPRNT and Label Builder, designed to help merchants manage promotional content and customized label designs.

    Together, these options give VARs and ISVs flexibility in how they architect, deploy, and support cloud-enabled printing solutions at scale.

    StarIO.Online is a fully managed cloud printing service by Star Micronics.

    > Vertical-Specific Solutions

    Star supports a wide range of industries, with hardware designed for retail and restaurant environments, as well as for growing sectors such as healthcare, medical offices, senior living, and non-profits. Star’s experienced team provides the industry expertise needed to support partners as they expand into new verticals.



    Explore Star’s Industry-Focused Portfolios

    > Opportunities to Build Recurring Revenue

    VARs, ISVs, and MSPs can package software and services around Star’s technology to build recurring revenue streams. By supporting cloud-first offerings and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models, Star makes it easier for partners to create predictable, scalable revenue while reducing long-term support complexity.

    Make the Most of a Great Year for the IT Channel

    In 2026, the IT channel will favor partners who simplify infrastructure while enabling scale. Star Micronics helps VARs and ISVs do exactly that, with cloud-ready POS hardware and a fully managed cloud printing service that removes friction for both partners and their end-user customers.

    Want to learn more about the benefits of a Star partnership?



    Contact Us Today

    FAQs for VARs and ISV Partners

    What trends will matter most for the IT channel in 2026?

    Growth in cloud-based platforms, vertical specialization, and scalable hardware deployments will shape the IT channel in 2026. VARs and ISVs that simplify infrastructure and support multi-location environments will be best positioned to grow.

    Why are VARs and ISVs expanding into new vertical markets?

    Competitive pressure and maturing retail and restaurant markets are driving channel partners to explore healthcare, cannabis, senior living, and specialty retail. These industries demand reliable, purpose-built hardware and cloud-ready printing solutions.

    How does Star Micronics support VARs and ISVs as they scale?

    Star Micronics provides a broad portfolio of POS and labeling hardware, cloud-ready printing technologies, and a partner ecosystem designed to support multi-location deployments without unnecessary complexity.

    What’s the difference between StarIO.Online and Star Micronics Cloud Services?

    StarIO.Online is Star Micronics’ fully managed cloud printing service. Star hosts and maintains the cloud infrastructure, allowing ISVs to send print jobs to CloudPRNT-compatible printers through REST APIs without managing servers or middleware. StarIO.Online also provides built-in printer status visibility and cloud-printing-related configuration through Star’s managed dashboard.

    Star Micronics Cloud Services (SMCS) provides developer-facing APIs that allow ISVs to build their own dashboards and tools for printer status monitoring and related functions within their own platforms. SMCS also includes end-user cloud tools such as PromoPRNT and Label Builder, which are designed for merchant use and are not embedded into ISV platforms.

    Some partners use both: StarIO.Online to offload cloud printing infrastructure, and SMCS APIs to build customized monitoring or workflows on top of Star’s hardware ecosystem.

    Do partners need to use Star’s cloud services to work with Star hardware?

    No. Partners can choose the architecture that fits their business. ISVs may manage their own cloud infrastructure using CloudPRNT Next or opt for StarIO.Online, if they prefer a fully managed cloud printing service hosted by Star.

  • How Star Micronics Is Helping Channel Partners Succeed

    How Star Micronics Is Helping Channel Partners Succeed

    Since the pandemic began, value-added resellers (VARs) and technology providers (ISVs, ISOs) in the point-of-sale space have been going through one of the most rewarding and challenging macro environments of their lives. Costs and demand are up, supply is down, and uncertainty seems to be the only constant. Sometimes, we can get too caught up in the details and forget the larger picture.

    At Star Micronics, our executive team is always listening. We want to understand the challenges our channel partners face so we can do whatever is in our power to alleviate them. Star is working relentlessly behind the scenes throughout these hardships to help our dedicated channel partners achieve their goals. We believe when we work together, there is nothing we can’t overcome.

    Recently, I sat with Mike Hanson, Executive Vice President of Star Micronics America, to get his take on how the industry horizon looks from here.

    What areas is Star Micronics investing in to help channel partners succeed?

    Star Micronics has been investing in several areas to help channel partners succeed. Following our “Always Leading, Always Innovating” decree, this includes diversifying and expanding our product offerings and bolstering our supply chain operations and sourcing.

    To start, we recently launched the new TSP143IV printer. It features Android Open Accessory (AOA) to allow power and communication on a single wired connection for Android, which is highly used in the industry now. Having AOA now complements our wired SteadyLAN power and communication technology for iOS devices. We also re-engineered the design of our mPOP from wireless Bluetooth MFI to wired USB-C MFI, getting more out to market sooner.

    As for our supply chain operations and sourcing, Star has experienced unprecedented demand for our products thanks to our partners’ success.  Globally, Star has been strategic by transitioning and diversifying our production lines to incorporate additional regions aside from our traditional team, allowing us to expand manufacturing capacity aggressively. Star has vigorously sourced components from available global suppliers to overcome continued semiconductor supply limitations.  

    How is Star’s product line evolving to meet the needs of today’s channel partners?

    Star is dedicated to providing our channel partners with a full solution suite to power their workspaces this year. Thanks to solid relationships with our partners, we have developed complementary products that leverage our advanced software integration tools to provide a complete hardware solution.

    The Star solution suite is a cohesive, connected network of products that work together to provide reliable and easy-to-use solutions that support various industries. This gives resellers, retailers, and channel partners products that offer years of use and support from a single supplier. The Star suite enables resellers to purchase printers and related peripherals (like scales, barcode scanners, cash drawers, etc.) in one place. Fewer vendors to manage makes it easier for channel partners.

    Business Partners 1

    What new programs and services does Star offer that can benefit channel partners?

    Star is blessed to have the industry’s best group of dedicated distribution partners who have truly shined during the recent supply chain challenges to meet resellers’ needs. To support these incredible channel partners, we established our Empower Partner Program. The Empower Program’s introduction has successfully reestablished value and price parity for our resellers.

    Last year, we enhanced the program with the addition of loyalty benefits. These benefits reward resellers that provide a variety of products from the Star solution suite. We recognize the long-term value of every reseller offering our complete suite, such as our printers, cash drawers, scanners, scales, stands, paper, warranties, and other Star products.  As a result, full solution suite resellers are rewarded at the same level as a large volume reseller that may only sell Star printers.

    As we head into the second half of 2022, is there any advice or insight Star can provide to channel partners?

    As we move into the second half of 2022 and beyond, we are seeing some improvements in semiconductor and component availability. Gradually, this will help recover product shortages, which is good news for all.

    Conversely, the macroeconomic situation is unstable as we feel the impact of inflation, high oil prices, and global unrest. It’s tough to see when logistics, components, and manufacturing costs will stabilize, making it difficult to imagine when pre-pandemic prices will return.

    We want every channel partner to know that Star is working hard behind the scenes to reduce transportation costs while implementing new software solutions to improve the accuracy and visibility of product availability. We are also expanding our resources to support our partners in any way we can.

    Please take some time to learn about the many new solutions Star has just introduced, and look forward to more “Always Leading, Always Innovating” products and services that will help our partners continue to flourish.

    Star’s Latest Solutions

    TSP143IV

    This futureproof printing solution provides maximum connecting flexibility with added features like support for the Android Open Accessory (AOA) protocol and a USB/LAN Dual Interface (TSP143IVUE) or WLAN capability with a dual-band wireless connection (TSP143IVUW).

    Learn More >


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    The mC-Print2 thermal receipt printer by Star Micronics.

    mC-Print21W & 31W

    Our ultimate 2″ mC-Print21W and 3″ mC-Print31W thermal printers are now available with WiFi capability. Whether you need to use 2.4GHz or 5GHz bandwidth, these sleek, space-saving technologies keep your business connected.

    Find Out More >

    1D/2D Barcode Scanners

    Star’s IP-rated premium scanner line includes a desktop scanner, a handheld scanner, and a wireless handheld scanner, so however you need to get the job done, it’s sure to be quick and reliable. Find the perfect one for your business.

    See Our Scanner Line >


    A wireless, desktop, and wired handheld barcode scanner, all in black.


    The EZ POS tablet stand by Star Micronics. Shown in black with TSP143IV receipt printer.

    mUnite Tablet Stands & Mounts

    Star Micronics is proud to offer both function and style with its mUnite tablet display solution stands, kiosks, and mounts. Built to accompany a vast array of printers, cash drawers, scales, and peripherals, these modern, all-steel stands unify your point-of-sale while protecting your valuables.

    Browse Our Collection >

    mG-T POS Scales

    Star’s new line of three NTEP and Measurement Canada certified scales are trade-ready and effortless to set up, connecting to your POS system via Bluetooth or Serial connectivity. Plus, they integrate easily with Star SDK, so you’ll be back doing what you do best.

    Learn More >


    An mG-T30 POS Scale by Star Micronics.


    Star Micronics Cloud Services helps developers and business owners stay competitive.

    Star Micronics Cloud Services

    By connecting Star printers to Cloud Services, Star has created a practical, developer-friendly platform for more efficient, connected, and intelligent systems. For business owners and technology providers alike, Star’s Cloud Services can be used for device management, receipt customization, and cloud-based data access.

    See What’s Available >

    SK1-311 SK

    This 3″ linerless label kiosk printer is compact and lightweight, ideal for the food and travel industries or any self-service application. Linerless labels are an alternative to silicone-lined labels or tape and are more eco-friendly with less waste.

    Find Out More >


    The SK1-311 SK repositionable linerless label kiosk printer by Star Micronics.

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  • How POS Value-Added Resellers Can Profit from Ghost Kitchen Startups

    How POS Value-Added Resellers Can Profit from Ghost Kitchen Startups

    As a POS value-added reseller (VAR), you are constantly looking for new opportunities to grow your business. Ghost kitchen startups offer just that opportunity. With 8,000 active operations across North America, ghost kitchens have moved past the proof-of-concept stage and are well on their way to becoming mainstream. In fact, a November 2020 report by Valuates Reports predicts ghost kitchens will generate $71.4 billion by 2027.

    VARs providing ghost kitchen solutions have the perfect opportunity to differentiate their businesses. You can expand beyond providing solutions to traditional restaurant models, help your clients enter this nontraditional space, and win back their declining revenue streams by offering ghost kitchen solutions.



    Download the Guide

    Products VARs Can Provide For Ghost Kitchen Startups

    For VARs looking to help clients open their new businesses, or expand current ones, these are the technologies that are essential:

    Mobile POS

    The first thing you will need to help clients obtain is a mobile point of sale (POS) solution. This point of sale system should feature wireless connectivity and integrations necessary to allow ghost kitchen operations to be flexible and efficient. This may mean that the POS software is used on a tablet so that managers can take their work with them as they review operations.

    Online Ordering and Payment

    Ghost kitchens are specialized kitchens designed to handle to-go orders. Thus, the POS system you provide must integrate with an online ordering and payment system. Bonus points if that integration comes with an easy-to-use mobile app!

    Printers & Paper

    Additionally, your POS solution should integrate with portable printers. Having a solution that can intake orders and print them instantly to keep operations running quickly is vital. Improve their operations even more by stocking them up on linerless labels and receipt paper for commercial-grade linerless sticky label printers, like the TSP654IISK, which allows online order labels to be placed directly on corresponding to-go boxes for frictionless operations that make food preparation and pickup a breeze.


    TSP654IISK Thermal Sticky Label Printer by Star Micronics
    The TSP654IISK sticky linerless label printer by Star Micronics

    Tablet Stands & Pole Mounts

    Provide clients a home base for their tablet and printer system with a durable and protective tablet stand. With the right stand, you can give clients style and function within a sleek, compact frame. The mUnite stand is highly configurable and easy to set up and use. These reliable steel tablet display stands and pole mounts support Star’s extended line of POS printers, in addition to all major Android, iOS, and Windows tablet models, affording protection to each device.

    Ready to Begin?

    Star Micronics provides flexible, futureproof POS technology designed to seamlessly connect front and back-of-house operations to keep ghost kitchens operating at their peak. They can help you provide clients with all the technology above and more! If you’re ready to start making a profit off of ghost kitchen startups, contact Star Micronics today.


    Ghost Kitchens: A Growing Market within the Restaurant Point of Sale Space ebook.

    Ghost Kitchens: A Growing Market Within the Restaurant Point-of-Sale Space

    Insights for VARs on why more restaurateurs and entrepreneurs are utilizing ghost kitchen business models and how to leverage existing technology to assist those clients.



    Download Now