The retail industry is currently navigating a momentous transition as the long-awaited AI (8112) Universal Digital Coupons (UDCs) shift from experimental pilot programs into full-scale market saturation. For decades, the coupon landscape was defined by the legacy paper coupons or the AI (8110) barcode, a data format that is riddled with inefficiencies and a staggering…
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U.S. grocery retailers face mounting pressures in 2026 as grocery checkout regulations evolve across payments, staffing, and loss prevention. Federal SNAP/EBT program expansions may require complex Point of Sale (POS) upgrades, while the rise of Organized Retail Crime leads legislators to find solutions in self-checkout mandates that could threaten labor budgets. The $112 billion annual…
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Retail in 2026 is not so much about “new tech”, as it is about new operating models that change the way we work. These technology trends include AI becoming a daily co-worker, payments becoming a distribution strategy, and security, both online and in‑store is becoming paramount. Below are the trends that matter most for retailers,…
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Choosing a POS (Point of Sale) system is one of the most important decisions retailers will make. It processes your transactions, manages your inventory, and powers your entire front-end operation. However, when evaluating options, there is much more to consider than just pricing and features. Let’s explore why you should not overlook a key variable…
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Running a small health centre pharmacy involves balancing patient care, dispensing medications, managing retail products, and handling daily operations. Many pharmacy teams work with limited staff, tight schedules, and manual workflows. While this can work for a limited time, upgrading to a modern pharmacy Point of Sale (POS) system can significantly improve efficiency, accuracy, and…
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Inflation continues to weigh heavily on consumers. In 2023, average unit prices climbed between 4–8%, and while that increase slowed to 1.7% in 2024, shoppers are still feeling the pinch, stretching every dollar to cover the essentials. For store owner and managers, that means one thing: strategic grocery promotions are more important than ever. Discounted…
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Auto-Star once again had the privilege of exhibiting at VARTECH 2025, BlueStar’s premier event that brings together technology providers, resellers, and innovators from across the globe. Hosted at the Atlantis Paradise Resort in the Bahamas, this year’s conference delivered on its promise of blending cutting-edge solutions with meaningful networking opportunities, and we were excited to…
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Canada’s pharmacy market is on the rise, fueled by an aging population and growing demand for prescription medications. In fact, the sector is projected to grow at an impressive 4.86% annually through 2029. At the heart of this growth are independent and community pharmacies that have spent years serving patients, building trust, and providing essential…
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RetailNOW 2025 has officially wrapped, and what a show it was! Held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, this year’s event brought together over 1,600 industry professionals and featured a sold-out show floor with more than 160 exhibitors. Auto-Star took our place among top innovators with one clear message: the future of point-of-sale solutions, AI,…
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Is your current point of sale system holding your business back? Retail is evolving rapidly, and an outdated, one-size-fits-all point-of-sale (POS) system could be costing you valuable time, loyal customers, and lost revenue. Discover how a modular solution can transform your operations. Every business is unique, each with different goals, target markets and needs. Traditional…
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