Smoke shops, cigar retailers, and vape stores are no longer simple checkout-and-shelf operations. Today’s specialty retailers are managing more product categories, more detailed inventory, more pricing changes, and more age-restricted sales workflows than ever before. From premium cigars and vape products to accessories, nicotine alternatives, and convenience items, the modern smoke shop needs more than…
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Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming one of the most important innovations in retail POS (Point of Sale) technology. In fact, the Global Artificial Intelligence in Retail Market size was estimated at $22.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $148.7 billion by 2035. While AI is often viewed as an emerging technology, retailers are…
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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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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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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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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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In the fast-moving world of retail, your store’s layout does more than guide customers, it shapes their experience, impacts their buying decisions, and directly influences your bottom line. Whether you’re a grocery store, pharmacy, health retailer, or convenience store, having the right store setup is critical to optimizing traffic flow, maximizing shelf space, and increasing…
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As AI technology continues to evolve, so do the ways we can harness it to improve our daily work. In fact, studies show that AI assistance can boost customer service agent productivity by up to 15%. At Auto-Star, we’re always exploring innovative ways to make our software more intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly. That’s why we’re…
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Why Garden Centers Need More Than a Basic POS Running a garden center or nursery is both an art and a science. Between managing seasonal inventory, adapting to shifting customer trends, and juggling everything from merchandising to operations, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. That’s where a garden center POS (point of sale) system comes…
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