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 showcase how Auto-Star is helping retailers navigate today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Our participation focused on three key themes:
- AI and automation are transforming daily operations, opening the door for deeper personal connections.
- International opportunities are growing, with strong interest from Latin America and beyond.
- BlueStar continues to lead the industry by spotlighting the latest technology and creating a collaborative environment.
Let’s take a closer look at what we learned, what we shared, and where retail technology is headed next.
AI and Automation: Simplifying Work, Strengthening Relationships
AI and automation were at the heart of nearly every conversation at VARTECH 2025. Resellers, and technology partners alike are recognizing how these innovations are reshaping the way businesses operate.
From Routine to Remarkable
For decades, retailers have had to balance countless routine tasks such as receiving inventory, reconciling invoices, monitoring stock levels, and generating reports. These essential duties often consume valuable time that could otherwise be spent connecting with customers or coaching staff. Auto-Star’s vision has always been to give retailers more time for what matters most. At VARTECH 2025, we highlighted how our AI-driven tools, such as our embedded AI powered help bot and AI powered invoice scanning and receiving, help ensure users get the most out of our products while streamlining repetitive processes. When tasks that once required hours of manual entry can now be completed in minutes, the results are transformative. Store managers suddenly have more bandwidth to engage with employees, respond to customer needs, and build the relationships that set independent retailers apart.
Everyone Has Access to Technology, Relationships Make the Difference
Zack Kass, AI advisor and researcher, and former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, delivered a compelling keynote address to launch the event. He highlighted how access to technology has become increasingly democratized as the cost of AI has plummeted. Today, nearly every business can tap into advanced AI models. This levels the playing field in many respects, but it also shifts the competitive advantage elsewhere.That advantage is relationships. At Auto-Star, we believe that technology should amplify (not replace) the human touch. By handling the background work, automation gives retailers the freedom to do what no algorithm can: build loyalty, empathy, and trust with customers. This perspective resonated strongly with attendees at VARTECH 2025. Retailers who visited our booth saw firsthand how leveraging AI doesn’t diminish personal connection, it strengthens it.
A World of Retail Opportunity: Spotlight on Latin America
Another key takeaway from VARTECH 2025 was the growing international appetite for advanced retail solutions. Our team had engaging conversations with resellers and prospective partners eager to bring Auto-Star’s technology into Latin America, including Peru, Panama, Colombia, and Mexico.
Why Latin America?
Several factors are driving interest in these markets:
- Rising Consumer Expectations: Shoppers across Latin America are seeking modern experiences (self-checkout, mobile payment options, and personalized promotions) that mirror what they see globally.
- Expanding Independent Retail Sector: Independent grocery, pharmacy, and specialty stores remain central to communities throughout the region, making them ideal candidates for scalable point-of-sale solutions.
- Government Digitization Efforts: Many Latin American countries are accelerating digital compliance, particularly around tax and invoicing systems. Retailers need partners who can navigate these regulations seamlessly.
Auto-Star has a proven track record of adapting solutions for unique market needs and positions us well to help retailers outside of North America succeed.
These conversations confirmed what we already suspected: the demand is there, and the opportunity is enormous. VARTECH 2025 provided the perfect stage for exploring how Auto-Star can expand our reseller network and empower retailers in new markets.
BlueStar’s VARTECH 2025: Where Technology and Community Come Together
VARTECH reinforced why it remains one of the most important events on the retail technology calendar. BlueStar has built a reputation not just as a distributor, but as a convener of innovation and collaboration, and this year was no exception.
Cutting-Edge Technology on Display
From AI-powered kiosks, robotics to next-generation payment technology, the event floor was filled with solutions designed to redefine the retail experience. For Auto-Star, it was an opportunity to both showcase our software solutions and connect with leading hardware partners.
We were proud to spend time with long-standing collaborators including: Partner Tech, Custom America, Star Micronics, Epson, Touch Dynamic, Zebra and Datalogic. These partnerships are more than transactional, they’re the backbone of delivering complete, integrated solutions for our resellers and their retail customers.
Reconnecting with Reseller Partners
Beyond technology, VARTECH is about people. This year, we were thrilled to connect with some of our Canadian reseller partners like King Business Solutions and Ideal POS.
These in-person conversations reminded us that while email and video calls keep business moving, nothing replaces the value of face-to-face interaction. Together, we discussed new opportunities, shared feedback, and strengthened the ties that drive mutual growth.
Looking Ahead, Beyond VARTECH 2025
As we reflect on our time at VARTECH 2025, three clear lessons emerge:
- AI and automation are here to stay, but their greatest value lies in giving retailers more time to connect with people. Resellers need to embrace this and consider how important service is to their long term viability.
- International opportunities are growing rapidly, particularly in Latin America, where independent retailers are eager for modern solutions.
- Events like VARTECH 2025 remain vital for fostering collaboration across the retail technology ecosystem.
Auto-Star is proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. By combining innovative software, trusted hardware partnerships, and a commitment to personal relationships, we’re helping resellers navigate change and seize new opportunities.
Relationships at the Core
If one message stood out above all at VARTECH 2025, it was this: technology is a tool, but relationships are the differentiator.
In a world where cloud processing, data storage, and AI are accessible, what sets resellers apart is the ability to understand, connect with, and serve customers in ways that are authentic and lasting.
At Auto-Star, we’re committed to supporting retailers not just with technology that works, but partnerships that last. Whether through automation that simplifies daily operations, solutions tailored for international markets, or collaboration with our hardware and reseller partners, we believe the future of retail is built on relationships.
And as VARTECH 2025 reminded us, when technology and relationships come together, the possibilities are endless.
Let’s Build the Future of Retail Together
Join our growing network of resellers who trust Auto-Star to deliver innovative solutions and best-in-class service and support. Learn more about our you first Partner Program.
