BlueStar Retail & Hospitality News

Solution Spotlight

Introducing Solutions For Q3 2024

Mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) solutions have undergone a remarkable transformation since their inception. What started as a basic tool to enable businesses to accept payments on the go has evolved into an essential component of modern retail and hospitality operations. From boutique stores and salons to food trucks and bustling restaurants, mPOS now integrates seamlessly with mobile devices, tablets, and even cloud-based systems to offer unmatched flexibility and efficiency.

Retail and Hospitality Tech: Are you being served?

In the increasingly complex world of retail and hospitality technology, it’s more and more important to have a strong partner to help resellers navigate the varied solutions available in the market. Francisco (Paco) Antona is joined by Emma Edwards, Jord Malcorps, and Richard Austin to discuss how BlueStar is uniquely placed to assist here. Touching on topics including how BlueStar’s value-added services to retail and hospitality resellers, our specialist teams including technical support and vertical-specific business development managers and marketing support can help navigate the industry. We also talk about the importance of our unique international approach and the value of education sessions such as events.

Self-Service News

Discover how mPOS Software Solutions are

Revolutionising the Customer Experience

Richard Austin

In the world of hospitality, where the phrase “the customer is always right” often feels like a cruel joke, mobile point of sale (mPOS) solutions from our ISV (Independent Software Vendor) are making a significant difference. Imagine a bustling restaurant during peak times. The waiting staff, armed with mobile devices, can now take orders, process payments, and even split bills right at the table. No more frantic dashes to the cash register or awkward moments trying to figure out who ordered the extra side of guacamole. It’s like giving the staff superpowers, minus the capes and laser eyes.

Festivals, where people come together to celebrate music, food, and the art of queueing, have also seen a transformation. Thanks to ISV partnerships, festival vendors can now bring the full EPOS experience to their stalls. This means faster transactions, shorter queues, and happier festival-goers. Whether it’s a summer music festival or a Christmas market, the flexibility of mPOS ensures that everyone gets their artisanal hot chocolate or price-inflated gourmet burger without the wait.

Retailers, too, are reaping the benefits. Seasonal sales used to mean chaos, with lines stretching to the back of the store and frazzled staff trying to keep up. But with mPOS, queue busting is a breeze. Sales associates can assist customers and complete transactions anywhere in the store, turning the entire retail space into a checkout zone. Plus, with clienteleing features, they can access customer profiles and preferences, making personalised recommendations that keep shoppers coming back. It’s like having a personal shopper and a checkout counter rolled into one. So, whether it’s the Black Friday rush or a summer sale, our ISV partner’s solutions ensure that retailers can handle the madness with a smile.

Self-Service News

VARTECH 2024: A Premier Gathering

for Innovation, Education, and Collaboration

Jord Malcorps

Held last week on September 12 and 13 in sunny Orlando, Florida, VARTECH 2024 reaffirmed its status as the channel’s leading event for innovation, education, and collaboration. Hosted by BlueStar, this two-day gathering brought together hundreds of value-added resellers (VARs), independent software vendors (ISVs), and technology partners, all eager to showcase their latest solutions and forge lasting partnerships.

Honouring the Legacy of Steve Cuntz

As we celebrated another successful VARTECH event, we took a poignant moment to honour the memory of our beloved founder, Steve Cuntz, who passed away last November. Steve was the visionary behind BlueStar, establishing the company in the 1960s with a mission to push the boundaries of what was possible. His unwavering belief that "Second best is not an option!" became the cornerstone of our company culture, driving us to strive for excellence in every endeavour.

Steve's leadership was marked by his incredible dedication, integrity, and passion for fostering a collaborative community. He inspired countless individuals within BlueStar and the broader industry to pursue their best work, never settling for mediocrity. Under his guidance, BlueStar grew from a small startup into a respected leader in the technology sector, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.

Steve's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements; he was also a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration for many. His ability to connect with people and his genuine care for their growth created a supportive and dynamic environment at BlueStar. As we continue to build on the foundation he laid, we remain steadfast in our commitment to his vision that "Second is not an option," ensuring that Steve's spirit continues to guide us toward greater heights.

Innovation and Networking: The Heart of VARTECH

From the moment the show floor opened, the energy was palpable. Exhibitors from industry giants like Zebra Technologies, Honeywell, Elo Touch, and Intel demonstrated state-of-the-art solutions across the retail and hospitality sectors. This year’s focus on AI and AV (Audio-Visual) integrations was particularly exciting. Many vendors showcased how AI-driven systems are transforming customer experiences—whether through advanced analytics that personalize the shopping journey or through automated processes that streamline operations.

The role of AV technology in creating immersive retail spaces was another key trend. From interactive digital signage to fully integrated audio-visual displays, the showcased tech demonstrated how modern retailers can engage customers more dynamically and create smarter, more responsive environments. This integration of AI and AV is paving the way for a seamless blend of physical and digital experiences that elevate in-store interactions.

A Personal Highlight: The Kennedy Space Centre Experience

One of the most memorable moments from VARTECH 2024 was the evening event at the Kennedy Space Centre. Attendees had the unique opportunity to explore this historic venue, walking through iconic space exploration exhibits while networking with industry peers. The backdrop of rockets, spacecraft, and legendary astronaut memorabilia added a sense of awe and excitement to the evening.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: Witnessing a SpaceX Rocket Launch

Adding to the excitement, our visit coincided with a SpaceX rocket launch—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Imagine our surprise when we saw a rocket soaring into the sky right before our eyes! It felt like our marketing team had gone above and beyond, arranging a private rocket launch just for us. 🚀 While we can't confirm that our marketing budget includes space travel, the live launch certainly elevated the evening to new heights and provided a spectacular backdrop for networking and reflection.

During the tour, it was impossible not to reflect on the monumental achievements of the 1960s space race—an era where we accomplished the seemingly impossible by landing men on the moon. What struck me, and many others, was how despite the incredible advancements in AI and other technologies today, we still face significant challenges in replicating that feat. Even with sophisticated instruments, AI systems, and modern engineering, we have not returned to the moon—a stark reminder of the incredible ingenuity and resourcefulness that led to that first moon landing. It was a humbling experience to realize how the 1960s pioneers achieved such a monumental feat with far less advanced technology than we have at our disposal today.

This part of the event added a profound perspective on innovation, showing us that while technology continues to evolve, some accomplishments from the past remain unmatched.

Building Relationships at TEC-Quick-Connect

Networking has always been a hallmark of VARTECH, and this year’s TEC-Quick-Connect sessions were a major highlight. These rapid-fire, speed-networking opportunities allowed attendees to meet face-to-face with ISVs and vendors, establishing meaningful partnerships in a short amount of time. The format ensured that every attendee had the opportunity to connect with potential collaborators, making it an invaluable experience for anyone looking to expand their business network.

This year, much of the networking centred around the growing role of AI-powered retail analytics and audio-visual solutions in creating smarter, more engaging retail environments. Resellers and ISVs explored ways to integrate these cutting-edge solutions into their offerings, ultimately driving more value for their clients.

Industry Insights

Timeline Of mPOS Evolution

mPOS has revolutionised the Retail & Hospitality industry since its inception in the 2000s, it has helped smaller businesses shift from cash-only operations to accepting card payments helping them stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace. Larger chains have leveraged mPOS technology to enhance their analytics, allowing them to track consumer behaviour more effectively, optimize inventory management, and ultimately boost sales. This evolution highlights the critical role mPOS plays in modern business, from enhancing payment flexibility to driving strategic decision-making.

Modern mPOS systems come equipped with cutting-edge features like omnichannel capabilities, smooth e-commerce platform integration, and AI-driven analytics, which let companies handle both online and offline sales with a single mobile device.

mPOS software is now a cornerstone of modern retail, providing robust, customizable solutions that can manage everything from transactions to inventory, customer relationships, and business intelligence, all through mobile devices.