At TRANSACT 2024, the spotlight was on artificial intelligence (AI) and its revolutionary impact on the payments industry. This event was a powerhouse of innovation, offering immersive learning experiences and expert-led sessions that explored the dynamic role of AI-Powered technology in transforming financial transactions.   Immersive AI Zones: A Deep Dive into Future Technologies Attendees had the thrilling opportunity to explore AI-driven advancements within three specialized zones: the Idea, Growth, and Tech Zones. Each zone served as a productive environment for AI-enhanced solutions ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, eCommerce has emerged as a game-changer, reshaping industries, and forever changing the way consumers shop. One sector that is undergoing a significant transformation is pharmacy retail, where traditional brick-and-mortar stores are embracing digital platforms to meet the changing needs and preferences of customers. eCommerce is empowering both businesses and consumers alike, in more ways than meet the eye. The Shift Towards eCommerce in Pharmacy Retail Today, consumers expect convenience and accessibility, and eCommerce platforms can help pharmacies f ..read more

Independent grocers often struggle to compete with big box stores and large chains that have extensive resources, wholesale buying power, and sophisticated inventory management systems. To level the playing field, grocers need access to solutions that minimize stockouts and optimize ordering processes through increased buying power, real-time inventory tracking, and automated warehouse ordering. For many independent grocers, the solution can be found in adding a retail warehouse. Assess Your Needs and Goals for a Retail Warehouse Before diving into setting up a Retail Warehouse, take the time ..read more

Join us at the PharmaChoice Canada Trade Show! May 9 – 11, 2024 Halifax Convention Centre Halifax, Nova Scotia Booth #17 With over 800 locations across Canada, PharmaChoice is Canada’s fastest growing pharmacy banner. Auto-Star is proud to serve many of these unique locations and showcase our point of sale solutions at the PharmaChoice Trade Show in Halifax. Here are some of the exciting new technologies that PharmaChoice pharmacies can expect to see at this year’s event: Solutions for any size pharmacy including RxPOS NEW! Convertible QUICKSCAN360 Self-Checkout Integration with Leading Dispe ..read more

There is an increasing gap between the healthy foods that we should eat to prevent chronic illnesses and the foods we can afford. The world of food incentive programs, combined with emerging grocery technology may unlock some answers to our dietary woes. Let’s take a deeper look into the way grocery stores, digital voucher technology, and government initiatives are coming together to make healthy eating more accessible. Government Food Incentive Programs Food incentive programs are designed to encourage individuals and families to make healthier food choices by providing discounts, vouchers, o ..read more

Why You Need Unified Grocery Software for POS and Payment Processing In the bustling world of retail, the reliance on digital transactions has become paramount. That’s particularly true in the grocery store, where customers want to get their food and get home quickly. The need for a proficient and secure point of sale (POS) system with grocery software is greater than ever.  As merchants increasingly embrace flexible payment methods to enhance customer experiences, using a single provider for both POS systems and payment processing is a strategic move. A connected system can streamline o ..read more

As we step deeper into the busy month of December, the retail landscape is bustling with activity, and for grocery managers, it’s a great time to assess how your current operations are performing and how they could be optimized for the future. In this guide, we will explore the essential aspects of retail technology for grocery managers, helping you navigate any holiday season with ease. Key Hardware & Peripherals for Grocery Point of Sale: POS hardware and software components work together to provide grocery retail businesses with a comprehensive solution for achieving success in the indu ..read more

In the ever-evolving landscape of the grocery industry, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for success. One technology that has been gaining widespread adoption across the U.S. and Canada is the digital price tag. Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are revolutionizing how grocery stores operate and interact with customers. In fact, the ESL market is expected to grow from a $1.5 billion to a $2.8 billion industry. And that’s in just the next five years! Grocers are finding that ESLs can evolve to perform tasks that go beyond a quicker price change. This includes easily displaying product infor ..read more

In today’s competitive retail landscape, pharmacies play a critical role in providing essential healthcare services to communities. Beyond dispensing medications, successful pharmacies have evolved to become retail destinations that offer a range of health and wellness products and services. To thrive in this dynamic environment, it’s essential for pharmacies to implement effective retail strategies. Here are four key strategies that can help pharmacies not only survive but thrive in the retail space. 1. Customer Centric Approach Putting the customer at the center of your business is paramount ..read more

What makes zero-waste grocery stores unique, and how store owners are using technology to make a big impact Organic and kitchen waste makes up about 30% of all Canadian household waste[i] Consumer interest in reducing waste footprint is driving the zero-waste grocery movement Environmentally conscience consumers along with tougher are fueling the growing demand for a reduced waste footprint in everyday food and household products. Zero-waste grocery markets are growing in popularity, with a mission to reduce food waste and eliminate single-use plastics and excess packaging. As zero-waste gro ..read more