... Annette Tarlton, Star Micronics EMEA

  Annette Tarlton, Marketing Director, Star Micronics EMEA

1. The times when customers reluctantly used kiosk technologies seem to be over. But can kiosk solutions really be cost-effective for retailers?

The rise in use and value of the kiosk has largely been driven by a combination of digital signage and kiosk printing technologies. POS printer manufacturers such as Star Micronics have brought the retail sales element into the kiosk with supportive retail features and software which work over and above the kiosk software. With all the retail benefits such as couponing at checkout now available within a kiosk, the kiosk has been transformed into a valuable and viable additional source of sales revenue.

There are now so many opportunities for retailers to expand their product range and interact with customers. Ranging from loyalty card applications through to in-store catalogues to product kiosks selling higher value items such as iTouches, the need for a retail outlet is progressively being reduced. This has driven retailers to not only expand the range of services and products being offered, but also entice customers to interact and receive information in turn demonstrating just how the kiosk can provide the retailer with a profitable and cost-effective solution.


2. Which aspects have to be considered implementing a kiosk solution? Can you name a successful example?

Despite the differences in kiosk applications, kiosk solutions must all have the same objective – to be intuitive to use and eye catching. Reliability and built-to-budget are now taken for granted. One successful example of a profit-generating kiosk solution is today’s use of digital signage, i.e., a 42” interactive touch screen allowing customers to see all the benefits of the latest interactive kiosk by UK DIY retailer B&Q, provided by Evoke Interactive Kiosks using Star’s TSP700II couponing printer.

3. Which special products / product range will you be showcasing on EuroCIS 2012? And why is this trade fair important to you?

EuroCIS 2012 alongside NRF and RBTE are three key retail shows. Given the ever increasing number of multi-national visitors to EuroCIS, this show provides Star with an excellent platform to launch its latest products. This year, these include unique new printer software architecture and demonstrations of simple POS desktop and mobile printer integration with Apple iOS and Android devices. Star will also be exhibiting its extensive range of cost-saving POS printing solutions implementing dramatic power and paper saving environmental benefits.

25/01/2012