News

Lantronix, Bixolon partner on mobile printing solution for retail, POS

October 31, 2013

Lantronix, Inc., a global provider of smart networking and communications solutions for machine-to-machine applications, today announced a partnership with Bixolon, a leading manufacturer of receipt and Auto-ID printers, to deliver iOS printing solutions for retail and point-of-sale customers. The bundled, customized solution comprises the Lantronix xPrintServer Office Edition device, the Bixolon SRP-F310 thermal POS printer, the iPad, and a proprietary customer experience app.

According to the companies, the solution is currently being deployed in select U.S. locations by a leading global beauty supply retailer, known for an exceptional in-store customer experience. The beauty retailer's new customer experience kiosk allows retail customers to quickly and easily develop a skin care and beauty profile directly through a customized iPad application. Once the customer provides information about their skin tone, color, and beauty goals, the application prints out the customer's personal profile and recommended products wirelessly on the Bixolon SRP-F310 POS printer via the Lantronix xPrintServer. Customers can then meet with in-store consultants for product use tips and to purchase the personalized product recommendations. 

"Our retail partners consistently emphasize the value of an outstanding in-store customer experience," said Alberto Hwang, president of Bixolon America. "The new Lantronix-Bixolon customer experience kiosk is a perfect example of how thought-leading retailers can differentiate a step further by incorporating a highly-personalized, self-service mobile printing solution right in their stores. Not only does this type of solution streamline the customer's experience, it reduces marketing costs, and affords in-store sales consultants the opportunity to optimize the time spent with individual customers."

The Lantronix-Bixolon mobile POS printing solution for retailers is part of a growing trend. According to recent research from IHL Group, more than 28 percent of North America retailers will adopt mobile POS in some form by the end of 2013, with North American mobile POS hardware and software sales expected to surpass $2 billion. Worldwide mobile POS market is now a $5.7 billion market, representing the single fastest-moving trend in retail since the Internet was added to the retail industry.

"Mobile printing can play significant role in enhancing the retail customer experience. With more and more North America retailers planning to adopt mobile POS solutions, we believe the retail industry represents one of the most interesting opportunities for mobile printing solutions, such as the xPrintServer," said Kurt Busch, Lantronix president and CEO. "We are thrilled to partner with Bixolon on the new retail solution, and believe the combination of our technologies offers an excellent customer experience."

Read more about retail POS.