NEW YORK -- From mobile-payment devices to data-security solutions, products from the recent National Retail Federation (NRF) convention and trade show focused on the continuous loop that starts at payment and ends with loyalty rewards.
With 33,000 attendees this year, the annual conference is one of the largest in the world that features products and services geared to the retail segment. This year, food and convenience store retailers accounted for 8% of the attendee population, with the channel being the fourth largest, according to statistics published by Washington, D.C.-based NRF.
Here's a rundown of a few of the product developments announced at the three-day show:
- Wall-mounted self-checkout. Duluth, Ga.-based NCR introduced its SelfServ 90, the latest addition to the family of self-service checkout devices. It can be used as a freestanding self-checkout kiosk, installed on a countertop or even mounted on a wall. The product targets high-volume stores involving small-basket rings and debit or credit cards. The key purpose is to reduce queues during peak hours such as the lunchtime rush.
- POS, inventory software updates. Austin, Texas-based Wincor Nixdorf USA released updated versions of both hardware and software products involving its point-of-sale (POS) solutions as well as its pricing and loyalty programs. Among these products are its mobile and kiosk POS solutions as well as its support software, which now features a customer-relationship module.
- Network partnership. Atlanta-based Bluefin Payment Systems announced a partnership with Warrendale, Pa.-based Industry Retail Group whereby IRG, a security company, will provide Bluefin's point-to-point encryption solution to its customers.
- Mobile POS. San Jose, Calif.-based Verifone Systems introduced a new mobile POS terminal and operating system. The flexible, long-lasting device can accommodate different form factors and outlive smartphone and tablet models. This enables merchants to make long-term investments in mobile POS at a much lower cost of ownership, company officials say.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.