Our Product Pick

PrehKeyTec (Buffalo Grove, IL) has embedded RFID into its MCI3100 keyboard. With this additional module, the MCI3100 can read tags for warehouse and retail stock control and handle automatic authentication and access control requirements, in addition to data entry via optical character recognition (OCR). All key positions are programmable, and twenty-three are relegendable. Removable keycaps allow for easy key exchange or relocation, and add to single, double, and quadruple keys. With an IP-54 rating and durability of more than 30 million keystrokes, options include five-position key lock, colored keys, customized key graphics/text, OPOS, JavaPOS, and WEPOS drivers, as well as single or dual smart-card reader and biometric reader. "Our MCI Series keyboards plug into existing systems via single USB port and are operational immediately," noted Catherine Shergi, National Distribution Sales & Marketing Manager for PrehKeyTec.

PrehKeyTec's MCI3100 Gets RFID

COMPANY BUSINESS

Star Keeps It Simple

By any measure, Star Micronics America (Edison, NJ) has been fast out of the gate when it comes to tablet-driven printing. Now Star has sustained momentum by building out its roster of stationary printers armed with Bluetooth 2.1 and carrying certification for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch under Apple's MFi. Four new models--the TSP700II BTi (Label), TSP800II BTi (Wide Format), TSP800IIRx BTi (Prescription), and SP700 BTi (Kitchen)--now join Star's TSP650II BTi (Receipt) in providing ready linking to iOS, Android, and Windows. An extremely broad span of applications, emphasized Jon Levin, Product Integration Manager at Star, in conversations with RRN.Com.

Significantly, Star's "i" Series supports iOS, Android, and Windows with one SKU. "We wanted to make it really easy for people," Levin told RRN.Com. "You buy one of these printers and you don't have to worry about the operating system. Along with the high speeds of our printers, this really sets us apart."

"Overwhelming feedback we get, especially from the small to midsized market, which is our sweet spot, indicates that network configuration is too difficult," he continued. "So many of the support calls we get now focus on the network, not the printer itself. By comparison, these days everyone is familiar with pairing their devices via Bluetooth, such as their mobile phone with their car. So installation and maintenance will be greatly simplified." With TSP700II BTi, TSP800II BTi, TSP800IIRx BTi, and SP700 BTi, Star Micronics "opens up some doors" and "further applies our experience [in Mobile O/S] to our relationships with VARs, ISVs, and Distributors."

An Expanded "i" Series of Printers From Star Micronics America

Janam Carves the Phablet

A seeming hole in the market has been addressed by Janam Technologies (Woodbury, NY), in this case the need for an enterprise-level, rugged, purpose-built mini-tablet, or phablet. In introducing its XT1, Janam has combined several important features, in particular Android 4.2 O/S with 5.9-inch display. "This drives really rich, graphic-intense applications, with optimized screen real estate, while the form factor may easily be held in one hand," Harry Lerner, CEO and Co-Founder of Janam, told RRN.Com. Indeed, the XT1 weighs only 13 oz. with battery, and measures 7.8 in. (L) x 3.9 in. (W) x 0.5 in. (D).

With "cutting-edge technologies most often found in consumer phones" as well as "mission-critical capabilities," the XT1 carries Texas Instruments OMAP 4470 CPU at 1.5 GHz, 1-GB RAM, and 16-GB ROM. As standard offerings, Janam has added Honeywell's N5600 2D Adaptus Imaging Technology, Bluetooth 4.0, Dual-Band 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN, and RFID/NFC. "Performing intensive scanning with traditional rugged bulky tablets is an unpleasant experience," underscored Lerner.

Additional features include capacitive touchscreen, five-megapixel camera, 3000-mAh Li-Ion battery, GPS, and optional 3G/4G WWAN. As ruggedness, ET1 withstands 3 ft./1 m drops to concrete and IP-54 exposure to water and dust. Another factor will jump out: the street price of $700 to $900. "We pride ourselves on providing what customers need and require," expressed Lerner. "When you're a smaller, fast-moving company, it's easy to say 'yes.'" Initial response to the XT1 has been terrific, he added.

XT1 With 5.9-Inch Display

Worth Your While

NACS Show
Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing
October 7-10
Las Vegas

Pack Expo
PMMI
November 2-5
Chicago

Customer Engagement Technology World
JD Events
November 5-6
New York

IAAPA
International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
November 17-21
Orlando

NRF's Big Show - Annual Conference
National Retail Federation
January 11-14, 2014
New York City

TransAct 15
Electronic Transactions Association
March 31 - April 2, 2014
San Francisco

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Full-Tilt Boogie at Touch

Touch Dynamic (Irvington, NJ) has unveiled its Acrobat All-in-One POS Terminal with fully adjustable die-cast foldable base and 14-inch widescreen LCD LED. With fanless and ventless construction, and true-flat resistive touchscreen, Acrobat carries an Intel Atom Dual-Core D2550 CPU at 1.8 GHz, 1-MB Cache, and DDR3 up to 4 GB. It runs Windows 7, POS Ready 7, and POS Ready 2009. Pricing is under $1,300 with O/S and MSR.

Measuring 15 in. (W) x 7 in. (D) x 11 in. (H), and weighing 8.7 lbs., Acrobat furnishes the full suite of I/O ports (5 x USB, 4 x RS-232, 1 x Gigabit LAN, 1 x VGA, 1 x Cash Drawer). As options, there's 802.11a/b/g/n Wireless LAN, along with barcode scanner, customer-facing displays, and biometric fingerprint reader. As additional benefits, the vendor pointed to sleek design, spill and dust resistance, and low power consumption.

"The fold-flat stand brings multiple advantages to our VARs, and ultimately, the end-users," Craig Paritz, President and Owner of Touch Dynamic, told RRN.Com. "It allows for the smallest possible counter space in the restaurant or retail environment. In addition, it allows for an extremely small shipping box which minimizes shipping cost as well as storage space. Lastly, the fold-flat stand may act as an adjustable wall-mount bracket."

Acrobat All-In-One POS by Touch Dynamic

[Also, Touch Dynamic has shipped its Saturn DV PC with Intel Celeron Quad-Core J1900 CPU at 2 GHz, with less power consumption and more I/O ports than its predecessor, the Saturn DC.]

Tipping the Scales at Detecto

Detecto, a Division of Cardinal Scale Manufacturing Co. (Webb City, MO), has debuted its Enterprise APS Series Scales for retail POS. Built in the U.S., the Enterprise Series come in platform sizes ranging from 6 x 10 inches up to 18 x 18 inches and seven different capacities ranging from 160 x 0.1 oz. up to 250 x 0.1 lbs. They serve applications such as checkout areas, self-service aisles, and manual batching that requires controlling the weights of ingredients, as well as logistics/shipping, according to the manufacturer.

An easy-to-read backlight green LCD with 0.7-inch-high digits provides visibility, and the display tilts for multiple viewing angles, with simple two-button operation (Zero/Power, Units). Detecto's Enterprise Scales employ brushed stainless steel, adjustable leveling feet, overload stops, bubble level, and four connectivity ports (1 x USB and 3 x RS-232). Optional Bluetooth and Wi-Fi furnish NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program) "legal-for-trade" capability for ease of data integration, as certified by the National Conference of Weights and Measures.

Additional features include heavy-duty construction, adjustable digital filtering for optimal accuracy around electronic noise such as checkout conveyor belts, and support for most major protocols in POS. The company also offers an additional remote display and post mount for maximum visibility by the operator and customer in retail environments. This remote display may be mounted in one of three ways--directly on the wall, on the mounting bracket, or on the optional display tower post. A four-foot RS-232 serial cable and UL/CSA listed AC power adapter are included with the company's scales.

New Enterprise APS Series Retail Scales by Detecto

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ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

"A Thing of Beauty," Says ISV

One of our leading ISVs, pcAmerica (Pearl River, NY), has pushed further into tablet POS with the launch of Automation POS. This software package, described as "next-generation," works across both tablets and stationary POS. It features full functionality for sales, payment processing, inventory tracking, peripheral support, and detailed reporting, along with "clean, beautiful interface," according to the developer. It should not be confused with pcAmerica's Retaurant Pro Express Mobile, which works in conjunction with Restaurant Pro Express for iPod Touch and iPad Mini. In addition, Automation POS targets both retail and hospitality.

"Here is the beauty--the transaction screen can be easily configured to have any number of buttons, laid out in a very flexible fashion," David Gosman, CEO of pcAmerica, told RRN.Com. "You can change the numbers of rows and columns, the number of function buttons, what the function buttons do, and the size, color, and font of the buttons. This makes it easily usable on different size devices, for different use cases. So VARs can customize the menu or function layouts for their customers."

"An ability to work on both thin, light tablets as well as the stationary POS terminals that resellers have been selling for years--that's a huge differentiator," contended Gosman. "Many businesses prefer a large screen size for visibility--15 to 17 inches--and more rugged base for stability. Others prefer the compact and mobile benefits of a tablet. With our Automation POS you get them both. You can even mix and match devices, with the same software, in the same business."

Automation POS From pcAmerica

Am Ex for the Masses

Heartland Payment Systems (Princeton, NJ) will solicit small merchants with its new American Express Card Acceptance Program. It features competitive pricing and allows merchants to benefit from an easy on-boarding process, in addition to full, one-stop payment processing services across major card brands, according to Heartland, the fifth largest such player in the U.S. It targets annual charge volumes of less than $1 million.

"The American Express Card Acceptance Program is a convenient solution for small merchants and a great way to offer consumers the opportunity to use their American Express Card at more of their favorite local shops," declared Robert Carr, Chairman/CEO of Heartland Payment Systems. "Participating in this new settlement program is another way we're continuing to champion our valued small merchants by helping them grow their customer base. Now we're able to provide our customers an all-in-one solution that includes American Express."

In order to simplify workflow and reduce back-office management for small merchants, the American Express Card Acceptance Program focuses on three specific elements: a single deposit for all card transactions with speed of pay consistent with other cards for improved cash flow; an easy-to-read statement for all card networks, simplifying reconciliation for all card transactions; and a dedicated customer service contact for all card processing needs, including one number to call to reach live help, 24x7. "This allows merchants to focus on marketing, customer service, and all of the other tasks that are critical to running a successful small business," stated Carr.

American Express Card Acceptance Program Targets the SMB at Heartland Payment Systems

Code Corner

You might have heard about recently released Apple Pay. With enormous publicity, and predictions of world domination, this new payment scheme works with iPhone 6 and NFC. Available though the iTunes Store, it also supports Apple Watch, potentially, though not likely, reaching 200 million owners of iPhone 5. Much has been written about its so-called Device Account Number (for encryption and tokenization of cardholder data) as well as its Touch ID (which speeds and simplifies payment and shipping of goods). "When you're using Apple Pay in a store, restaurant, or other merchant, cashiers will no longer see your name, credit card number or security code, helping to reduce the potential for fraud," declared Eddy Cue, Apple's SVP of Internet Software and Services. "Apple doesn't collect your payment history, so we don't know what you bought, where you bought it, or how much you paid for it." Starting in October, Apple Pay will be available in the U.S. as free update to iOS 8. Already American Express, MasterCard, and Visa have announced support, as well as retailers such as Bloomingdale's, Disney, Duane Reade, Macy's, McDonald's, Staples, Subway, Walgreens, and Whole Foods. So what should POS VARs do? In the short term: nothing. Already, most significant players in the channel--whether acquirers, software developers, or hardware vendors--have already announced support and compatibility.

INTEGRATION

More Air for RuggedJet

Brother Mobile Solutions (Broomfield, CO) has fashioned wireless communication support from Apple's AirPrint for its Brother RuggedJet 4 mobile receipt and label printer. AirPrint, as many RRN.Com readers know, allows direct linking to iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch without need for downloading or installing drivers or interfaces. All that's required: Wi-Fi access point. Moreover, all existing RuggedJet 4 Wi-Fi printers are backward compatible with AirPrint via simple, free firmware update offered through Brother.

"We are pleased to expand on our strong relationship with Apple, from incorporating AirPrint technology in laser and inkjet office printers and now to mobile printers," relayed Raul Palacios, Senior Product Manager at Brother Mobile Solutions. "This is a significant advancement for the mobile printing market, where so many mobile workers are equipped with iPhone and iPad today. Now they can print receipts and labels quickly, right out-of-the-box, from their Apple iOS device and directly to their mobile printer."

Measuring 6.4 in. (W) x 6.9 in. (H) x 3 in. (D), and weighing slightly less than 2 lbs., RuggedJet 4 employs direct thermal technology for maximum print speed of five inches/127 mm per second and 203-dpi resolution at four-inch print width. Two models are offered: RuggedJet RJ-4030 with USB, Serial, and Bluetooth, and RuggedJet RJ-4040 with USB, Serial, and Wi-Fi. Additional benefits include 32-MB RAM and 16-MB Flash, IP-54 ratings for water and dust, 6 ft./1.8 m drop protection, multiple resident and downloadable fonts, and the company's two-year "bumper-to-bumper" warranty.

Brother Mobile RuggedJet 4 Gets Apple's Direct Device Wireless Capability

Unitech's Passing Grade

Unitech America (Cypress, CA) has placed its new PA700 Rugged Android Handheld with three prominent partners for purposes of certification. These include Z-Space (Cleveland, OH), Portable Technologies Solutions (Calverton, NY), and Intellitrack (Sparks, MD). "While still firmly in the testing phase, we are confident the PA700 will continue to impress, becoming a preferred hardware choice for full solutions across the country," proposed Scott Chung, President of Unitech America.

Introduced this summer, the PA700 features high-resolution 4.7-inch capacitive touchscreen with Gorilla Glass. It furnishes an IP-65 rating against water and dust, vibration and shock at MIL-STD-810F, and 5 ft./1.2 m drop protection. Physical dimensions are 6.3 in. (H) x 3.2 in. (W) x 0.7 in. (D) and 10 oz., with 12-hour Li-Polymer battery pack and the standard 14 to 122 Degrees F operating temperature range.

Unitech's PA700 Rugged Android Handheld Certified by Partners

Key Advertiser Links

Be sure to visit these vendors for the latest in channel products and offers for resellers.

POS & Auto ID Distribution
Wasp Barcode Technologies

POS & Peripherals
Harbortouch
Hewlett-Packard
Pioneer POS
POS BANK USA
Posiflex
POS-X
PowaPOS
TEAMSable

POS Systems - Hospitality
PAR

Barcode & Transaction Printers
Brother Mobile
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Intermec by Honeywell
Printronix
SATO America
Zebra Technologies

Cash Drawers
MMF POS

Data Collection
CipherLab
Code Corporation
Datalogic
Honeywell Scanning
Intermec by Honeywell
Trimble MCS

Integrated Payment Solutions
Datacap Systems
Discover
Merchant Warehouse
Mercury Payment Systems

Keyboards & Mobile POS
Cherry, ZF Electronics Corp

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Citizen Systems America
CognitiveTPG
Epson America
Star Micronics

Thermal Printers
Seiko Instruments USA

Touchscreens & Monitors
Elo TouchSystems

Weigh Scales
Detecto/Cardinal

INSTALLATIONS

Here's Armor for Aloha

Retail Data Systems has deployed First Data's TransArmor on NCR's Aloha POS. Supposedly unprecedented, this installation took place at RedRossa Napoli Pizza in Clive, Iowa, which is owned and operated by WR Restaurant Hospitality. Billing itself as the largest POS VAR in the U.S., RDS now has more than two dozen locations and 400 employees, and handles many of the major software packages for POS for both retail and hospitality.

Essentially, TransArmor achieves "end-to-end" security by utilizing a tamper-proof connected terminal encryption device integrated through the Aloha POS. It collaborates with vault decryption technology, and tokenization, at First Data. Since the card data is never exposed, reformatted, or stored at the merchant, there is nothing to steal. In the face of many new payment schemes, such as PayPal, MCX and Softcard (formerly Isis), as well as eminent adoption of EMV in the U.S., many experts still cite Point-to-Point or End-to-End Encryption as the best safeguard against remote access hacking of customer data.

"In this time of hyperbolic announcements regarding credit card breaches, Retail Data Systems collaborated with NCR and First Data to deploy a solution that removes card data from the customer environment while at the same time reducing merchant liability, and further lowering efforts to meet PCI reporting requirements while introducing token technology that can increase sales and loyalty," commented Jeff Barrett, GM of the Payment Services Division at Retail Data Systems (Marietta, GA). "A natural extension of our hospitality," Paul Van Bockern, CEO of WR Restaurant Hospitality, called credit card security, adding "it means everything."

Aloha POS From NCR Gets First Data's TransArmor E2E Encryption Via Retail Data Systems

The Butcher, Burger, and M-POS

Two historic channel players, Infinite Peripherals (Elk Grove Village, IL) and Digital Dining/Menusoft (Springfield, VA), have joined forces to bring Mobile POS to Butcher and the Burger in Chicago. Utilizing Digital Dining's Go Mobile App along with the Infinite Peripherals' Infinea Tab 2 sled for the Apple iPad 2, the restaurant has cut its line times in half, improved customer service, and developed more streamlined reporting, according to the participating parties. As an example, the system tracks hourly/daily sales, inventory, employee clock-ins/clock-outs, labor reports, and pay periods, while supporting back-end functions. One of the early entries in this discipline, Infinea Tab 2 holds credit card reader and one or two-dimensional scanner.

"We approached Digital Dining and Infinite Peripherals because we wanted an M-POS system based on iPad technology, and they delivered the best system when it comes to customized orders," recounted Preston Owen, GM at Butcher and the Burger. "Our menu is based upon 'build your own burger,' so we needed a flexible POS system with many options for order customization all on one screen. We've worked with other systems, and this was the only one that allowed us to give customers the exact orders they want without having to communicate too much with the kitchen about what's not on the ticket, allowing us to service our clientele quickly and efficiently."

In addition to simple, clean order-taking, an "instructions" option can be used for special requests such as "light salt" or "do not toast bread," according to Digital Dining. Although orders normally are taken at the counter, staff easily can process them from customer tables as needed via the M-POS. Also, it's easy to train new hires on the system, since most people are familiar with such screen technology, an oft-cited benefit of iOS. "Its results are indicative of what M-POS can do for restaurants," enthused Victor Bobadilla, Channel Development Manager at Infinite Peripherals.

Infinite Peripherals and Digital Dining Combine for Mobile Restaurant Solution

Channel Factoid

Nearly one-quarter (24%) of retailers expect significant increases (5% or more) in year-over-year sales during the 2014 holiday season, while another 70% predict sales will be on par with 2013, according to the Hay Group. This cautious optimism around sales is reflected in companies' seasonal hiring plans. While most retailers (70%) plan to hire staff at 2013 levels, the emphasis has shifted from seasonal to permanent workers, with 24% of companies planning to hire more permanent staff in 2014, compared to just 13% last season. Simultaneously, nearly half (47%) of retailers surveyed this year have clearly articulated omni-channel strategies, compared to only 14% in 2013. Furthermore, only 6% of companies say they do not have such strategies, compared to 22% last year. And the majority of retailers (71%) will be relying, at least in part, on their mobile platform to help drive holiday sales. Not surprisingly, 59% of retailers said their omni-channel strategy has impacted the training they provide to their sales staff. "Retailers can no longer settle for point-and-sell stockers when it comes to staffing their stores," advised Maryam Morse, National Practice Leader for Retail at the Hay Group. "Consumers now expect a seamless shopping experience across channels. To respond to this demand, retailers must have well-trained and nimble in-store employees who can serve as true brand ambassadors, leading customers to the point of sale, regardless of where the product resides." Again showing the impact of omni-channel, nearly three times as many retailers (24% vs. 9% in 2013) will focus on hiring seasonal staff across channels in 2014. In order to meet the needs of e-commerce, for example, 29% will increase staff levels in distribution centers. Finally, reflecting uncertainty about the strength of the market, and new retail realities, many companies will start their promotions earlier in the year. Most retailers (53%) will begin promotions in either September (18% vs. 13% in 2013) or October (35% vs. 22% in 2013). "The recent economic bump hasn't yet translated to the retail sector," indicated Craig Rowley, VP and Global Practice Leader for Retail at the Hay Group. "Foot traffic remains slow, and back-to-school shopping started soft this year, so retailers are being careful in their holiday season planning."

Cautious Optimism for Holiday Season

HELLO GOODBYE

VP x 3 = D-O

Datamax-O'Neil (Orlando, FL) has named three new individuals as VP for their respective business groups. Recently promoted were Bret Dirks to VP of the Supplies Business Unit; Tom Park to VP of the Portable Business Unit; and Jeff Merchant to VP of Stationary Sales - The Americas. All were named from within Datamax-O'Neil.

With fifteen years of experience at D-O, Dirks most recently served as the leader of the company's Supplies Operation (Robinson, IL). For his part, Park has served as the Director of Program Management since joining D-O in 2012, with previous work at Marvell Semiconductor and HP. Finally, Merchant came to D-O earlier this year as VP of Sales - North America after time with Motorola Solutions and Symbol Technologies.

"Through their knowledge and commitment to Datamax-O'Neil, Bret, Tom, and Jeff have rightfully and truly earned these promotions," remarked Michael Savignac, President for Datamax-O'Neil. "They have helped move Datamax-O'Neil forward and we are excited to see the great new things that will result from their hard work in their expanded roles."

New VPs for Datamax-O'Neil: Bret Dirks, Supplies Business Unit;
Tom Park, Portable Business Unit; and Jeff Merchant, Stationary Sales - The Americas

[Also, Plamen Petkov, former SVP of Corporate Development and Marketing, has left Datamax-O'Neil, RRN.Com has learned.]

Mr. MSP at AB&R

AB&R (Phoenix, AZ) has enlisted Massoud Ashrafi as Director of Managed and Support Services, following expansion into this field. Ashrafi brings more two dozen years of experience in operations within the technology industry. Prior to AB&R, he served as Senior Manager of World Wide Digital Video Content Operations for Amazon. "With Massoud joining the AB&R team we expect the success we've seen in our Managed Services and Support Services to continue to increase," projected Dino Farfante, President/COO at AB&R.

A nationally recognized integrator for the supply chain, AB&R recently changed its name from American Barcode and RFID. "Adjusting our name to AB&R is our way of transitioning the company to align with the transformation of technology," reported Mike Stryzcek, CEO of AB&R. "Since 1980, our organization has seen many innovations in technology and we've moved from barcoding and radio frequency identification technology specialists to an organization that provides our clients with comprehensive and proven solutions that drive efficiency and productivity in the supply chain."

Massoud Ashrafi, Director of Managed and Support Services, AB&R, the Former American Barcode and RFID

Masters of Control

A so-called Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP), ControlScan (Atlanta), has lengthened its executive bench with two new hires: Jyothish Varma as Senior Director of Security Product Strategy and Sheria Ward as Director of Inside Sales. ControlScan targets small to mid-sized businesses with its ProTech Unified Threat Management (UTM). This appliance spans critical elements such as firewall; advanced intrusion detection and prevention; anti-virus, anti-spam, and anti-malware; content filtering; and VPN capabilities.

"ControlScan's recent Level 4 Merchant Study found that most small business owners don't utilize dedicated information security resources, and this puts them at a disadvantage from a vulnerability standpoint," observed ControlScan CEO Joan Herbig. "Jyothish will be instrumental in helping us find new ways to make managed security services attractive and accessible to the SMB." Previously, Varma was Senior Product Manager for Dell.

"Sheria has joined us at just the right time, because basic security missteps are causing SMBs--including franchisees and independent retailers--to come under fire from hackers," added Herbig. "ControlScan's sales team has always put security education and awareness first, but Sheria will take our team to the next level of coverage in these underserved merchant segments." Previously, Ward was Sales Director at WorldPay.

New Executives at ControlScan: Jyothish Varma, Senior Director of Security Product Strategy, and Sheria Ward, Director of Inside Sales

Mary Heitman, Mary Heitman (for NRF)

The National Retail Federation (Washington, DC) has recruited seasoned marketing and public affairs executive, Mary Heitman, for its new role of VP of Retail Programs. Before NRF, Heitman was Director of Events and Deputy Director of Development for the Trust of the National Mall, the largest public-private fund-raising partnership in the history of the National Park Service. Prior to that, she served as Finance Director for the Republican National Committee.

"Mary brings a wealth of project management, marketing, political affairs, and leadership experience to NRF, and I'm positive that her insights and expertise will benefit the programs and initiatives that NRF's communities undertake," testified Vicki Cantrell, SVP and Shop.Org Executive Director for NRF. "Given her career experience with non-profits and in the political arena, I know Mary is a perfect fit for this newly created position. I look forward to working with her as we tackle important issues in the industry and seek ways to best tell retail's story through content, research, education, and other programs."

Mary Heitman, VP of Retail Programs, National Retail Federation