Category: Solutions & Use Cases

5 Reasons Why Shoppers Still Prefer Brick-and-Mortar

The constant evolution of e-commerce provides a hybrid of digital and physical purchasing possibilities to customers. While the appeal of an online market is steadily increasing, consumers still cannot resist the social experiences and certain advantages that brick-and-mortar is able to provide. Among the many irreplaceable elements of the in-store shopping experience that cannot be replicated online, here are the top five reasons why shoppers still rely on – and prefer – brick-and-mortar retailers.

1. Personalized Shopping Experience

With all of the advancements that online shopping provides, it still cannot compete with the personalized in-store shopping experience that’s found at brick-and-mortar stores – and that customers crave. Walking up and down the aisles, listening to the music, taking the time to browse and linger; there’s just no way the web can parallel such an immersive experience.

It’s this sort of engagement and excitement that continuously attracts shoppers to brick-and-mortar stores. In fact, according to Retail Touch Points, during the 2018 holiday season 96% of consumers did at least some of their shopping in-store, thanks to the ambiance and festive decor found in physical stores.

In addition to a store’s ambiance, physical stores also attract (and retain) customers through hosting events and classes – something an online store just can’t do. Some examples of events held in retail stores are product launch parties, book signings, holiday parties, charity events, and various classes for cooking, crafting, DIY home projects, and more. And don’t be mistaken, just because events are held in person doesn’t mean they can’t feature the convenience of the digital world. It’s easy for customers to securely pay registration fees and obtain event tickets online, using tools like Star Micronics’ partner Authorize.Net to provide a simplified payment process.

Simply put, brick-and-mortar stores offer a level of customer service and personalized experience that online shopping simply can’t duplicate, making one thing clear: the need for physical stores is here to stay.

2. Ability to Preview Products In-Person – Before Purchase Commitment

One of the biggest advantages that brick-and-mortar stores have is the ability for consumers to inspect products before buying them. Getting a feel for the material, verifying the quality, and testing the product before committing to it is a surefire way to avoid surprises that can be caused by misleading online information and pictures. A recent TimeTrade report showed that as many as 87% of modern consumers want to see and experience a product prior to “taking the plunge.”

Who can blame them? Shoppers value seeing goods in person because it helps avoid inaccurate sizing, malfunctioning equipment, and product scams. Even with an abundance of high-quality photos and videos available online, there’s still nothing like seeing a product with your own eyes and touching it with your own hands, which is why consumers still travel to physical stores to get the most bang for their buck.

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3. Quick, Hassle-Free Returns

Even with the alluring ability to inspect products before purchasing, there’s always a possibility that customers may need to return an item. But there’s no question about it, the return policies available at brick-and-mortar stores offer a more simplistic and engaging process than their online counterparts. With just one quick stop, shoppers are able to verbally discuss their returns, ask questions, learn about new deals, and possibly even negotiate the return policy terms.

Brick-and-mortar returns are a clear winner for customers seeking an urgent solution – they can replace the item right then and there, with no shipping costs, no deadline stress, and certainly no waiting. While online platforms consistently update return policies to better enhance customer service, brick-and-mortar stores continue to have benefits up their sleeves that makes in-store returns simply irresistible.

4. Easy, Quick and Detailed Customer Service

It’s undeniable that face-to-face customer service continues to reign supreme, even with the rise of modern online customer service tools. The interactive service offered at brick-and-mortar stores helps shoppers locate products in the store, get second opinions, and more. This sort of personalized expertise and knowledge is highly favored because it provides consumers with a level of interaction that can only happen in-person, as well as answers that even the web might not have (yes, that skirt matches that blouse).

A recent Retail CX Trends study showed that 30% of consumers claim that personalized treatment is what elevates an experience and makes them feel special. The ability for brick-and-mortar stores to offer consistent service that is tailored to the customers’ specific needs and situations ultimately saves the consumer time and improves their overall shopping experience. You just can’t find that level of customized, instant attention online.

5. Ability to Take Items Home Immediately

Even if an online store offers two-day or same-day delivery, no form of expedited shipping can compare to the delivery speed experienced at physical stores. When consumers choose a brick-and-mortar store, they don’t need to worry about waiting, handling fees, or damaged and lost packages. Only physical stores are able to offer the satisfaction of immediately bringing an item (that you know is correct and in satisfactory shape) home.

Today’s shoppers have spoken and they want their purchases now. A recent Retail Dive survey shows that 49% of consumers choose brick-and-mortar stores over the web because they like to take home items immediately. Just one swipe of a credit card unlocks the instant use of your latest buy – the perfect option for the impulse buyer or last-minute shopper in all of us.

Looking to empower your retail staff, save space, reduce your checkout lines, and enable fast and secure transactions? Download our free eBook to discover how the right mPOS technology can help you do just that.

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February 26, 2019
5 Ways to Incorporate the Internet of Things into Your Store
The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a living, breathing technology that’s making a splash in retail stores around the world. By 2020, it’s estimated that there will be over 30 billion IoT devices!

IoT offers great benefits to the retail industry. In fact, 77% of retailers believe it improves the customer experience, 89% report that it provides increased insights into customer preferences, and 77% say that it helps them work with partners to deliver quality products and services.

How will IoT devices impact stores’ bottom lines? By reducing inventory error, optimizing supply chain management, and decreasing labor costs, it’s estimated that the potential economic impact of IoT in retail environments will range from $410 billion to $1.2 trillion per year by 2025!

So, how can you take advantage of IoT? Below are five ways to incorporate this new wave into your store.

1. Personalized Discounts

Did you know that nearly half of consumers are willing to share their personal data in exchange for exclusive benefits? One of the biggest benefits shoppers are looking to receive is personalized promotions. By installing connected sensors around your store, you can send loyalty discounts to customers when they stand near certain products.

You can also use IoT to track what items a customer has looked at online, and then give them a personalized discount on that specific item when they visit your physical store. Another great way to use customer data to promote sales is through Star Micronics PromoPRNT, a value-add program that works with your existing receipt printer to deliver promotions directly on printed receipts.

2. Smart Shelves

Smart Shelving in a Kroger Store. (Source: Microsoft News)

Soon retail shelves as we know it will be completely different, thanks to smart shelves. This next-generation shelving includes electronic labels, personalized advertisements, RFID technology, and IoT sensors. One popular use case for smart shelves is supermarkets – grocery retailers are expected to increasingly use smart shelves to quickly update product prices, as well as display promotions, nutritional data, coupons, videos, and more.

Smart shelves can also interact with apps on a customer’s phone and do things like show shoppers where to find all the items on their grocery list, and enable each item to be scanned by a robotic checkout.

3. Beacons

Beacons – or small wireless sensors that can be attached virtually anywhere – work with customers’ smartphones to collect locational and contextual data (if they have downloaded your app). These sensors can be used to track shoppers when they’re in your store and send them personalized content, coupons, and more. In the age of online shopping, this level of exclusive, tailored content is just what stores need to keep drawing customers into their brick and mortar establishment.

The truth of beacon success is in the numbers: approximately 75% of shoppers provided with beacon content say it increased their chances of making a purchase, and over 60% said they’re willing to spend more money on holiday shopping at brick-and-mortar stores if they’re sent special offers.

4. Digital Signage

An Example of Digital Signage. (Source: Sophatar)

Any way you cut it, digital signage is huge in both helping boost a store’s attractiveness, as well as pushing data-driven content to strategically targeted customers. Digital signage can truly unify your IoT efforts by collecting customer data from beacons, sensors, and smart devices, and then display commercials, product information, and personalized promotions – at just the right time.

Curious how big of a market digital signage is? Hint: huge. The global market value for digital signage is expecting to grow to $32.84 billion by 2023! If you’re looking to make the most of your digital signage, consider using a tool such as Sales Receipt Viewer & Analytics. The tool provides web-based receipt data and allows you to download digital receipts, analyze sales trends, discover sales anomalies, and more.

5. Supply Chain Management

Simply put, IoT is redefining supply chain management across the globe. Here are three examples:
- Asset Tracking: RFID and GPS sensors can track products from factory to store. This not only makes asset tracking much easier, but it can also provide important information such as what temperature a product was kept at and how long it took to sell.
- Inventory: Using IoT sensors, retailers can instantly check inventory levels and proactively receive alerts when a product’s inventory is low. The sensors are also very helpful in tracking purchasing trends, making inventory management a more efficient process.
- Maintenance: IoT sensors can also be placed on manufacturing equipment to keep on top of scheduled maintenance, preventing expensive and untimely break-downs.
Did you know that valuable connected data can be provided by your receipt printer?

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February 21, 2019
8 of the Coolest Food Halls in America
Say hello to food halls, the food court’s trendy, eclectic cousin. A food hall is defined as “a commercial space with communal seating populated by a variety of curated, high-quality local food purveyors.” Run by entrepreneurs, celebrity chefs, and creative next-generation cooks, these food bazaars are immensely growing in popularity. In 2010, there were just 25 American food halls, but by 2020, it’s estimated that 300 will call the United States home. Before we explore eight of the coolest food halls in America, let’s quickly review some food hall features:
- They’re Everywhere – and for Everyone: Realty-wise, food halls are popular among mall operators and real estate developers who see them as part of an experiential retail strategy. While some food halls are owned by the city and some are privately owned, they’re becoming a key feature in commercial, residential, and mixed-use buildings. On the consumer side of things, those who enjoy dining out – and eating authentic, delicious dishes – are an ideal food hall customer (in other words, almost everyone!).
- They’re Cost-Efficient and Successful: Startup costs for restaurants are huge and a hard pill for many to swallow (it takes an average of $250,000 to open one). For many entrepreneurs, food halls are a far less risky, month-to-month rental option. Although the cost per square foot may be higher in a food hall than a standalone location, entrepreneurs get the added benefit of more foot traffic, a shared economy with other restaurants, and an aggregated social media following from the food hall – all which boils down to a better chance at succeeding. And the success of food halls certainly shows in the numbers: out of over 100 halls that have opened in America, only three have failed.
- They’re Playing a Part in Urban Renewal: Food halls aren’t just good for restaurateurs – they’re great for their respective communities, too. In fact, they’re becoming a key element in revitalizing inner-city areas. One prime example of this is the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, which accepts more food stamps than any other place in the city. Food halls are also being planned for smaller urban areas like Plano, Texas, Greenville, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
- They’re Experiential: From incubation kitchens and event spaces to live music and art installations, food halls are the definition of experiential. When it comes to theme, some food halls share one theme (for example, one entire hall is French -themed). On the other hand, some contain a large, diverse variety of food and beverages to choose from. There’s a food hall for everyone!
Now on to the fun stuff – let’s take a look at eight of the coolest food halls in the U.S. (in no particular order).

1. Midtown Global Market – Minneapolis, Minnesota

“An Internationally-Themed Public Market with Great Food, Cultural Experiences and Unique Gifts”

Source: flickr.com
- Opened in 2006 with the backing of four non-profits
- 50+ shops, stalls and purveyors of international cuisines
- Interesting Features: Indian burritos, camel burgers, cooking classes, live music, indoor farmers market
2. Eden Center – Falls Church, Virginia

“Washington DC’s Premier Destination for Vietnamese Cuisine and Specialties”

Source: DC Refined
- Houses the highest concentration of Vietnamese-owned businesses in America
- 100+ shops
- Interesting Features: authentic pho, fried tofu bites, caramelized freshwater prawns, various cultural events
3. Ponce City Market – Atlanta, Georgia

“A Vibrant Community Hub Housing the Central Food Hall, Various Shops, Flats and Offices, All While Pointing Back to the Roots of its Inception”

Source: Atlanta Magazine
- Located in the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building
- Interesting Features: Crispy fish sandwich (with a different fish each day), edible cookie dough shop, old-fashioned candy store, carnival amusements and refreshments
4. East End Market – Orlando, Florida

“Central Florida’s Food and Culture Hub”

Source: Visit Orlando
- Showcases Central Florida’s top food entrepreneurs, tradespeople, artists and chefs
- Home to 12 merchants, an event space, a demonstration kitchen, an incubator kitchen, offices, retail shops, a caterer, and a full-service restaurant
- Interesting Features: food business startup classes, customizable cooking classes, in-house meal delivery service
5. St. Roch Market – New Orleans, Louisiana

“A Destination for the Culinarily Curious”

Source: St. Roch Market
- Located in an 1800s farmers market
- Home to 11 dining options, centered around an award-winning craft cocktail bar
- Interesting Features: Haitian street food, Vietnamese street food, after-dark game nights
6. 1-800-LUCKY – Miami, Florida

“A 10,000-Square-Foot Food Hall in the Style of a Hip, Asian Market with Indoor and Outdoor Seating and a Booming Soundtrack of Hip Hop”

Source: 1 800 LUCKY
- Industrial setting
- Home to seven restaurants, two bars, a karaoke room, and a convenience store/record shop
- Interesting Features: Chinese BBQ, poke bowls, taiyaki (fish-shaped cake), dim sum, cultural parties
7. Shirokiya Japan Village Walk – Honolulu, Hawaii

“A ‘Theme Park Village’ in the Image of Monzen-Machi, a Town Built Adjacent to Shrines and Temples with the Guardian Spirits Sanctuary at its Core”

Source: Yelp
- Sprawling food hall with an array of Japanese dishes, a French restaurant, and an indoor beer garden
- Interesting Features: a soft service ice cream shop from Harajuku, a café specialized in siphon coffee, a spirit sanctuary, a radio studio
8. The Barn – Lexington, Kentucky

“Kentucky’s First and Finest Artisan Food Hall—Bringing the Best of Lexington’s Culinary Scene to the Heart of The Summit at Fritz Farm”

Source: TopsinLex.com
- All local, all independent lineup of restauranteurs
- Interesting Features: craft ice cream, a superhero-themed ramen shop, whiskey bar
Whether or not your restaurant is located in a food hall, the Star Micronics mCollection can modernize your space – learn more now.
February 19, 2019

What to Look for in a Retail Space

When you operate a retail brand, your storefront is everything. And when you consider that the average real estate lease term length is 3-5 years, it’s important to choose your space wisely. That’s why we’re here to discuss the three key things to look for in a retail space – before you sign your next lease. Read on!

A Prime Location

Location, location, location! One of the most important features to look for in a retail space is its location. The area’s foot traffic and demographic makeup should be two of your top considerations. What sort of shoppers stroll the area, and do they align with your target customer?

Another important thing to consider is the climate of the local business community. Are the businessowners supportive of each other? Do they collaborate? A supportive group of entrepreneurs will help you succeed – and an ultra-competitive environment most likely will not.

In addition to your customers and fellow businesses, you also need to keep your employees and contractors in the forefront of your mind. What local amenities will be available to your staff? From nearby restaurants to convenience stores, the more you accommodate for a healthy work-life balance, the better talent you’ll attract. You must also keep in mind the parking and public transportation availability – for your staff, contractors, delivery trucks and more.

The Right Price

The price should absolutely be right in your new space. Ideally, your lease payment should amount to 3-8% of your gross revenue, depending on your industry. For example, a store with lots of big-ticket sales (like an electronics store) usually has rent that is about 2% of its gross revenue. On the contrary, clothing stores typically average rent that’s approximately 8% of their gross revenue. Curious what your target rent is? Below are sample amounts by industry:

Industry	Percentage of Sales Allocated for Rent
Clothing and Apparel	7.66%
General Merchandise Stores	3.86%
Furniture and Furnishing Stores	5.98%
Food and Drink Establishments	5.81%
Electronics and Appliance Stores	2.09%
Books, Hobby, Music, Sporting Goods Stores	3.30%
Health & Personal Care Stores	3.37%

Source: fitsmallbusiness.com

And don’t forget about your down payment, and other expenses like utilities, property taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance (CAM)!

Properly Sized and Equipped

Once you’ve found a space that’s in a location that fits your target demographic – and your budget – it’s time to take a deeper look at the store’s features.

First, you need to make sure the space is the right size for your business. To calculate your target square footage, add together the sizes of the different areas in your store: for example, your sales floor, inventory storage, office, kitchen, bathrooms, and dressing rooms. Not sure how big your sales floor should be? Here’s a handy formula: Planned sales volume / average sales per square foot in your industry = sales floor space

If you’re just starting out, consider a pop-up shop, or a “store within a store.” These are more affordable than standalone shops, can help familiarize your target market with your brand, and helps the storeowner offset the high cost of rent. When your goal is to grow your baseline brand awareness, it’s worth doing some research and finding a complementary store in your target area to partner with!

Next, make sure the space has the features you need to make your store shine. Here are some factors to consider:

Lighting: Can the lights be dimmed? Can alternative lights be brought in?
Loss Prevention: Are there cameras (or other tactics) to prevent theft?
Emergencies: Is there adequate fire and police presence in the area?
Sales Restrictions: For example, are there restrictions on Sunday sales (blue laws)?
Wi-Fi: What’s the Wi-Fi availability like? This is extremely important so that you can process credit card transactions on your mPOS system.

Last but not least, don’t forget to keep in mind your target shopper – what do they look like? What is their occupation? Where do they live and what do they do for fun? When you boil it down, you need your retail space to match your target audience. For example, if your customers typically have small children, make sure you build in extra aisle space to accommodate strollers. And if you are selling trendy items, you’ll need a clean, modern, easy-to-manage space to match.

We hope these tips are helpful while navigating retail space leases.

February 14, 2019

Millennials’ Eating Habits: How They’re Changing the Food Industry

If there’s one generation that makes headlines, it’s millennials. According to the 2015 U.S. Census, there are 75.4 million millennials living in the country, officially making them the largest generation in the States. If you operate a restaurant, it’s worth paying attention to what millennials do and want – especially when you consider that they spend more dining out than they save for retirement. Here are the top four things millennials are seeking when it comes to dining out – and how these changes are affecting the food industry.

They Want Convenience

The first meal kit service started in 2007 – and now, 12 years later, it’s a booming industry estimated to hit $10 billion in revenue by 2020. Who’s to thank for that? Millennials, of course – they’re considerably more likely to subscribe to these services than non-millennials.

That’s just one example of the importance convenience has to millennials. Other popular (and booming) examples are grocery delivery services, food trucks, heat-and-eat options available at grocery stores, and online ordering (millennials are the most likely to get home delivery from restaurants). In fact, according to the 2017 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council, 55% of millennials say convenience is a top driver when buying food.

They Want Transparency (And Responsibility)

Don’t be mistaken: just because millennials value convenience doesn’t mean they don’t also take healthiness and sustainability seriously. The trend is just the opposite, actually.

First and foremost, millennials are redefining what it means for a food to be considered “healthy” – instead of low-fat being a top priority, they now put natural, organic, locally sourced, and sustainable foods at the top of their list. Did you know that millennials eat 52% more vegetables than baby boomers and 52% of organic consumers are millennials?

This generation also wants to know where their food is made – a whopping 80% of them want to know more about where their food is grown – and they value how it’s made (you may have noticed the terms “locally sourced” and “farm-to-table” popping up on menus in recent years).

Avocado toast, a trendy meal popular among millennials. Source: pexels.com

They Want Trendiness

Gone are the days of steak and potatoes – instead, unique, customizable items are making a splash with millennials. “Build-your-own” quick service restaurants (like Chipotle) are growing steadily, and for a good reason: 72% of consumers expect customization! Some examples of recent unique trends are food bowls, food mashups/hybrids (hello, cronuts), and avocado toast.

So, are unique meals actually popular with millennials, or do they just make headlines? The former is true: 40% of millennials report they like to order different things every time they eat in the same restaurant, and they don’t shy away from vegan and cultural cuisines. They’re also described as open-minded and curious. Besides adopting a creative menu, it’s a good idea to also create a unique, modern vibe in your restaurant – from your light fixtures to your point of sale.

They Want an Experience

If you have a social media account, you know that photos from users experiencing a satisfying meal are popular. In fact, 75% of millennials report they value the experience of eating food more than the nourishment. And social media is a huge part of the dining experience: 41% of millennials log in to Facebook every day, 29% use Instagram regularly, and 25% use Snapchat on a daily basis. To top it off, 20% of millennials say that they receive food news from peers on Facebook.

To help make your restaurant “Instagram-worthy,” consider adopting a modern and aesthetically pleasing menu design, ambiance, and décor – and don’t forget to create social media accounts for your restaurant if you haven’t already!

Looking to modernize your restaurant for today’s largest demographic? Discover how Star Micronics helped a restaurant operate efficiently, provide excellent service, and incorporate online ordering.

February 12, 2019
The Cannabis Industry: What Lies Ahead in 2019

As more states and countries continue to legalize medicinal and recreational cannabis use, one thing is clear: the cannabis industry is here to stay – and it’s rapidly growing. This new industry doesn’t just affect cannabis users – it affects countless markets. So, what’s to come in 2019, in terms of cannabis? Here are four key predictions for this year:

Cannabis-Infused Products Will Thrive

If you only think of dry leaf marijuana when you imagine cannabis, you are missing out on a ton of the market’s hottest products. Non-leaf CBD-infused items have a very high profit margin. Derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, but without any psychoactive properties, hemp products infused with CBD are a great way to introduce cannabis to a larger crowd. Cannabis-infused beverages, in particular, are slated to be a huge hit in 2019, but other infused products include oils, beauty and skin care products, pain relief ointments, chocolates, nuts, gummies – and even dog treats. These alternative forms of cannabis are expected to spread across North America, thanks to the recently passed U.S. Farm Bill which legalized industrial hemp. Many of these products (minus the dog treats) also come in psychoactive THC-infused forms, and are experiencing widespread popularity, thanks to medical and recreational marijuana bills being passed in several states, as well as Canada’s recent legalization of recreational usage.

The Key Players Will Emerge

Until now, it’s been tricky figuring out who the top players will be in the cannabis industry. However, with consumer spending expected to jump 40% this year, those who are executing successful cannabis business plans should get a big boost this year as sales continue to grow. Strategy in this rapidly-expanding market will be key, and by the end of the year (or before), we should have a good idea of who the top dogs are. However, because interstate commerce is denied and it is currently difficult to create any sort of national brand, we will likely not see any nationwide dominators – yet. In the meantime, it will be of utmost importance for cannabis retailers to successfully promote themselves and maintain a tight business plan.

Legalization Will Continue

2018 was a big year for legalization – in fact, it was arguably the biggest one yet – and that trend is expected to continue into 2019. At least six more countries are slated to legalize medicinal marijuana usage, and at least one is expected to legalize recreational use. In terms of the U.S., at least three states have plans to legalize medicinal or recreational usage, with Illinois, New Jersey, and New York being the biggest possibilities. Even more traditionally-conservative states like Texas could change their current marijuana regulations.

(More) Research Will Be Conducted

Cannabis research has already been taking place, but it will pick up speed even more this year. Because of the more open regulatory environment, more research will be conducted, which is expected to spark even more innovation within the cannabis industry. The Farm Bill has opened the CBD market this year, and will support overall marijuana consumption, meaning more knowledge will soon be uncovered on each specific cannabinoid’s (the chemical compounds secreted by cannabis flowers) powers. For example, therapeutic uses include treating and managing obesity, anorexia, emesis, pain, multiple sclerosis, neuroprotection, inflammation, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, depression, anxiety, insomnia, asthma, cardiovascular disorders, glaucoma, cancer, and more.

The cannabis industry is booming. Are you looking to cash in on cannabis point of sale? Download our e-book now!

January 29, 2019
Why You Should Create Instagram Stories for Your Store
The influence that social media has in today’s society is undeniable. Life is now about documenting every experience, whether it’s a trip to a new country or what you ate for dinner. Instagram Stories allows Instagram users to share multiple experiences through images and videos for a 24-hour period until they disappear (very much like a Snapchat story).

As Instagram Stories has grown to be more popular, it is becoming an important tool to help businesses increase brand awareness and engage with their customers. But first thing’s first – how do you create Stories, and why should you use them?

How To Create An Instagram Story

Although Instagram Stories has existed since 2016, here is a brief tutorial to get you started:
1. Open your store’s Instagram account and tap either the camera icon or your store’s logo in the upper right-hand corner.
2. Next, either:
  1. Take a picture or video, or
  2. Choose an existing picture or video from your phone’s gallery.
3. Upload your picture/video to your Story by tapping “Your Story” in the bottom left corner.
Once uploaded, your image will remain on your Story for 24 hours.

Why Use Instagram Stories?

Over 400 million people use Instagram Stories. That’s a lot of people, and it’s more than double the number of Snapchat users! One huge benefit of using Stories is that because you can add public hashtags to your Stories, even users who do not follow your business can discover your content.

Besides making your business more discoverable, Instagram Stories now allows the use of outbound links, meaning you can include links to your website or blog. Stories is also an excellent way to build your business’ community by tagging partners and brand influencers.

Making seasonal content a focus can be very successful on Instagram. Source: pexels.com

Ways to Use Instagram Stories for Your Business

As you’ve now learned, Instagram Stories is a great way to reach your target audience, no matter what industry you are in. In fact, agencies report 2-3 times more engagement with Stories than with regular content. With a plethora of features just one tap away, Instagram Stories can be a valuable part of any small business marketing strategy. Here are some ideas to help get you started:
- Use location tags to inform users where your store is located
- Start a poll to get valuable customer feedback
- Use Stories to highlight product teasers
- Use the tagging feature to give partner and/or customer shout outs
- Leverage the “Swipe Up to Read” feature (if you qualify) to give quick access to your website or blog
- Post motivational quotes
- Share client success stories
If you’re looking for even more inspiration, click here to learn about eight content tricks used by top brands, from sharing an experience to focusing on seasonal content.

How One Fashion Store Made the Most of Instagram Stories

Utilizing online marketing to drive in-store sales is a huge part of the omnichannel retail experience, and Instagram Stories is a great place to do just that. For example, one footwear and fashion company which recently opened retail stores hoped to raise brand awareness among young women, its target audience. The company created eye-catching Stories video ads, and the Insta-effort really paid off: the ads boosted brand awareness by 11 points among young women! Click here to learn more about how the store leveraged Instagram Stories, or click here for even more Stories ideas.

Good luck and happy “storytelling!”
January 24, 2019
Star Micronics Introduces the “Star Select Club” for ISV Partners

Star Micronics presents a new, three-tier loyalty program for ISVs that offers exclusive benefits and resources

Somerset, NJ – January 21, 2018 – Star Micronics, a leading provider of point of sale and customer engagement technology, is proud to introduce the Star Select Club.

The Star Select Club is designed for software developers that either offer Star Micronics’ products, or have created a solution to be used for or with Star products. With this membership, ISVs will gain exclusive access to the Star ISV Partner Portal online. The portal contains beneficial information including developer resources, technical support, marketing materials, sales support, and more.

Partners are able to join the Star Select Club at tiered levels, which will be determined by Star Micronics on a case-by-case basis. Upon sign-up, members will be informed on what their tier level is, what it includes, and how to advance.

The three Star Select Club Levels are:

Bronze: The Bronze level includes access to the Star Partner Portal website filled with technical support and marketing resources, a sales support call with Star Micronics, and the opportunity to be added to Star’s Certified Software page.

Silver: The Silver level includes everything in the Bronze tier, as well as digital marketing initiatives, exclusive pre-release product information, and sales support.

Gold: The Gold level contains all the benefits from Bronze and Silver, and also consists of dedicated technical and marketing support with first-pick selection of co-marketing activities.

“We deeply value our partnerships with ISVs,” says Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development at Star Micronics. “Because of this, we are always looking for new ways to provide them with additional value. We’ve been committed to building this loyalty club for the benefit our software vendors and are looking forward to the launch of this program.”

To register for the Star Select Club, please click here.

For questions regarding membership, please contact Brianna Moriarty at bmoriarty@starmicronics.com.

January 21, 2019
Star Micronics and Veras Retail to Offer a Simple and Powerful Point of Sale for Specialty Retail

Veras CheckOut for POS and Veras Extend for mobile POS, along with Star’s mC-Print3 printer, enable retailers to conduct effortless checkouts and orders across multiple channels

Somerset, NJ – January 10, 2019 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is proud to announce that Veras Retail, a leading provider of point of sale, inventory, omnichannel execution and CRM software solutions, now supports the new Star mC-Print3 thermal printer. Together, Star Micronics and Veras Retail are providing retailers with a point of sale solution that is designed to complement—not duplicate—their merchandising and ERP systems.

Veras CheckOut for point of sale enables retailers to effortlessly carry out corporate strategies with a powerful pricing engine, enterprise-wide visibility into inventory levels, and the ability to access customer information and orders across channels. With built-in integrations to leading EMV-capable payment solutions, the solution enables retailers to effectively and simply follow PCI standards. It also features a variety of omnichannel “save the sale” capabilities, allowing customers to save items in their online cart and then purchase in-store. Veras Extend for mobile POS uses the same data and business logic as Veras CheckOut, enabling store associates to interact with customers anywhere on the sales floor.

Paired with Star Micronics’ mC-Print3 printer, Veras CheckOut and Veras Extend offer an intuitive user experience and maintenance. The mC-Print3 offers a compact footprint, and is equipped with multiple interfaces and HUB capability, allowing retailers to power their POS peripherals such as customer displays or barcode scanners, directly through the printer.

Veras CheckOut and Veras Extend with Star’s mC-Print3 also come ready-to-use with Star Micronics Cloud Services, including PromoPRNT. PromoPRNT allows retailers to simply create and schedule printed promotions, coupons, surveys, and more. The Star Micronics Cloud Dashboard hosts hundreds of drag-and-drop shapes, icons, and text, along with pre-designed promotion templates. The dashboard also provides customer data for when a promotion is printed or redeemed.

“We are committed to providing retailers with best-in-class store systems solutions that enable them to provide a seamless shopping experience and build better relationships with their customers,” says Rohit Vir, CEO and Founder of Veras Retail. “Partnering with technology leaders like Star Micronics is a key part of our business strategy. We are pleased that our Veras CheckOut and Extend users can benefit from the integration with Star’s mC-Print3 printer.”

January 10, 2019
Star Micronics to Highlight Latest mPOS and Customer Engagement Solutions at NRF 2019

The mCollection – an mPOS line featuring printers, scales and a variety of peripherals – will be demonstrated in a simulated shopping mall

Somerset, NJ – January 07, 2019 – Star Micronics, a leading manufacturer of mobile, point of sale (POS), and customer engagement technologies, is excited to attend NRF 2019, where it will demonstrate its new mCollection in a mock shopping mall located at booth #3601.

The mCollection includes a variety of mPOS technologies, including Star’s newest printers, the mC-Print2 and mC-Print3, as well as scales, mPOP accessories, and peripherals including barcode scanners and customer displays. Featuring a sleek, unified design and easily integrated with the most modern ISVs, the mCollection is geared towards cannabis, grocery/deli, jewelry, pharmaceutical, restaurant and retail industries. PromoPRNT, Star’s value-add in-store marketing tool, will also be demonstrated at the show.

In its booth, Star will also feature several of its partners’ technologies, including Appetize, Apptizer, Evoke, Mad Mobile, SuiteRetail, and Veras Retail. A variety of giveaways will be available to booth visitors, including candy, T-shirts, and tote bags. Additionally, a grand prize will be raffled off to an attendee who visits each simulated shop.

“Star is looking forward to returning to NRF this year,” said Christophe Naasz, Director of Business Development at Star. “We believe that in our mock shopping mall, we will demonstrate the strong value our mCollection has for many of today’s – and tomorrow’s – hottest markets.”

January 7, 2019