57 2025 DIRECTORY | CHANNELVISION Today there are roughly 153,000 convenience stores throughout the U.S., according to NACS and NielsenIQ, with the majority being small, independently owned brick and mortar businesses competing against larger box stores and chains. Many of these stores still rely on outdated and inefficient point of sale (POS) systems, putting them at a disadvantage from more savvy competitors. National Retail Solutions (NRS) is changing the way retail businesses operate, with cutting-edge POS tools and resources that integrate seamlessly with business owners’ environments – presenting a lucrative opportunity for channel partners. In this exclusive interview, NRS president and CEO Elie Y. Katz explains how NRS is transforming retail POS and opening doors for partners and small business owners. ChannelVision: In 2023, NRS grew at a rate of 1,000 POS units a month. Did this growth continue throughout 2024? Elie Y. Katz: We not only sustained but exceeded our growth targets in 2024. The demand for our POS systems and complementary solutions remained strong, fueled by our commitment to innovation and expanding our partner network. We’ve seen significant success with our new product launches, including LottoShield, the self-ordering kiosk, the Panther Tablet POS, NRS Purple Payroll and the Ultimate E-Commerce Package, which have resonated with retailers seeking to enhance efficiency and expand their online presence. CV: In January, NRS announced a key partnership with Source One Digital. How can NRS partners leverage this collaboration to help retailers and drive sales? EK: Our partnership with Source One Digital has been instrumental in expanding our digital advertising capabilities. NRS partners can now offer retailers access to Source One Digital’s extensive network and expertise in targeted advertising. This allows retailers to reach new customers, promote special offers and strengthen their brand presence online. By leveraging this partnership, our partners can provide a more comprehensive solution to retailers, driving sales and customer engagement. CV: In February, NRS expanded its panic alarm service after a successful pilot program in New York City. Please give us an update. EK: The nationwide expansion of our one-of-a-kind patented panic alarm service has been overwhelmingly successful. Retailers nationwide have embraced this critical safety feature, recognizing its value in protecting employees and customers. We’ve received incredibly positive feedback, with many retailers citing increased peace of mind and a greater sense of security. We continue to offer flexible options for retailers to integrate the panic alarm functionality into their NRS POS systems. CV: NRS and AMS recently partnered to bring POS Solutions to retail fuel stations. Please tell us more about this exciting partnership and your decision to expand deeper into the retail fuel industry. EK: Combining our POS technology expertise with AMS’s deep understanding of the fuel retail market, we can offer a tailored solution for gas station convenience stores. This partnership allows us to address the unique needs of this sector, including pump integration, EMV compliance and fuel inventory management. We see tremendous potential in this market and are committed to providing innovative solutions that help fuel retailers optimize their operations and enhance customer service. CV: Is NRS exploring any new markets? EK: We’re very excited about our recent expansion into Canada. In November 2023, we began deploying our POS terminals to select retailers in Toronto and Ontario, and we plan to expand to other Canadian cities in the coming months. We see tremendous potential in the Canadian market, and we remain committed to empowering Canadian retailers with the same innovative solutions and dedicated support that have fueled our success in the U.S. CV: Do you have any new technologies or developments coming down the pike? EK: We’re expanding our e-commerce integrations with platforms such as DoorDash and Google, making online ordering and delivery even more seamless. Our e-commerce offerings also are growing, providing retailers with advanced tools for online sales and marketing. We also integrated our NRS POS system with PayPod, the secure cashhandling terminal. PayPod allows customers to deposit cash directly into the machine, minimizing theft and streamlining cash management – especially valuable for late-night operations. o By Gerald Baldino A New Era for Retail POS NRS president and CEO Elie Y. Katz National Retal Solutions (NRS) is helping small brick and mortar retailers compete with its powerful suite of POS services
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