NRF Recap, Reflections & Predictions

It's more end-user, data-driven goodness...this time exploring a problem that retail execs are clearly passionate about — shrink & loss prevention! The latest BlueStar Nation survey (sponsored by Datalogic!) finds that retail execs are blaming self-checkout and internal issues for shrink and they're taking an active role in finding solutions. Listen to find out what they perceive is happening, and some suggestions for solutions you can add to your portfolio to win!   Around the Nation: BlueStar Academy is a hit! Sign up for upcoming courses now! #VARValue - Suggested solutions based on the survey data   On Our Radar Dean - Elephant whiskers for robots? John - How TikTok maps interests   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Self-Service Array

Retail returns are a $1.9 TRILLION "business," and growing faster than sales for most retailers. As more brands offer fast, free returns, we've trained a generation of consumers to overbuy and expect a frictionless return experience. What does that do to the retail supply chain and inventory? To answer that question, we turn to IHL Group's Greg Buzek, who comes loaded with data, insights, and suggestions for approaching retailers with solutions that could turn a crisis into an opportunity.   Around the Nation: Follow BlueStar on LinkedIn...we're a good hang! #VARValue - What should we be discussing with retail customers to help them mitigate losses from returns and future-proof their operations?   On Our Radar Greg - AI frontier models Dean - The Olympics stuffed animal and how Canada's hockey team reacted John - AI takes "Humanity's Last Exam"   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo's Self-Service Array

We're breaking down the data from a new BlueStar Nation Survey of 100 restaurant owners and operators. Shockingly, we found that most of them are using consumer-grade displays for entertainment, menus, advertising, and more. Dean has a lot of thoughts about what's changed (and what still hasn't) since he sold digital signage. What are the top challenges and needs we can address? Who is making the decisions? Are giant corporate chains off limits? What does it take to get someone to say "yes" to demo? We're adjusting the contrast and hiding the remote for this one!   Around the Nation: Find more surveys like this one at BlueStar Nation! #VARValue - What else stood out in the data?   On Our Radar Dean - The most hated corporate jargon John - Yamaha SR-30A Soundbar   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Pay M100

Taking on the big, corporate-backed POS providers can feel daunting, but SMB retail and restaurants prefer personalized solutions customized to their unique needs. National Retail Solutions' Founder/President/CEO, Elie Katz, returns to the pod to share more tips for winning with your local grocers, bodegas, gas stations, liquor stores, tobacco shops, and more. How is AI impacting smaller businesses? What do the "big guys" forget or ignore when working with SMB? Where is the low-hanging solution fruit that you can address? PLUS - learn the four things every trade show booth should mention!   Around the Nation: BlueStar Academy is enrolling NOW! #VARValue - What does NRS look for in partnerships? Why should a VAR or ISV listening to this episode reach out and start a relationship?   On Our Radar Elie - AI use internally & externally Dean - Yuka food & cosmetic app John - Spotify audiobook matching   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Future Proof Solutions

The supply chain has undergone significant change this decade, and the advent of AI and a strong push for data-driven automation and efficiency suggest further change. As the giants of retail, commerce, and logistics innovate, what does it mean for SMB? This week, we have two of Zebra's Industry Principals, Wes Coleman (Warehouse) and Jim Musco (Retail), to share their thoughts and provide tips to help the "little guys" stay competitive and take advantage of new technologies. What separates laggards from leaders, and is "laggard" really a negative term? How are supply chain trends affecting retail inventory? Where are next-gen solutions actually winning and delivering ROI?   Around the Nation: Find a 2U Tour stop near you! #VARValue - How does Zebra approach partnerships and integrations to help enterprises avoid the “Frankenstack” approach of tech adoption?   On Our Radar Wes - Meta glasses Jim - The fusion of AI, RFID, & machine vision Dean - Drones at the Olympics John - A drone umbrella   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Zebra's 18th Annual Shopper Survey Elo I-Series 5

TEC Bytes is dead...long live The Pulse! Same idea, snazzy new name. Here are the topics John & Dean are discussing this week. Pew Poll - American perceptions of AI Ranking airports by delays Things Americans CANNOT do Netflix embraces vertical video America's safest suburbs ...and the safest states Around the Nation: Check out BlueStar Webinars   On Our Radar Dean - Harvesting water from air John - The health benefits of singing   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Backpack with Intel

Most businesses have key performance indicators, metrics, or other measurable outcomes they want to accomplish. In the supply chain, that could range from same-day shipping to upper-90% inventory accuracy and improved data. This week, Sonaria's John Wirthlin joins the pod to explain why addressing those KPIs should be a cornerstone of your sales strategy. How does a KPI-first philosophy help sell more solutions like RFID and inventory management hardware? How do metrics differ across industries? What are business leaders asking for now, and what will they need tomorrow?    Learn more about Sonaria's RFID Software!   Around the Nation: Enroll your new reps in BlueStar Academy! #VARValue - Why should VARs partner with Sonaria as an ISV—and where are the biggest opportunities?   On Our Radar John W - Making data easy and Sonaria's comic books Dean - Protein "evolution engine" John M - Is Earth going to lose gravity for 7 seconds? (Weird conspiracy theory alert!)   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo Non-Touch Displays

Most organizations deploy a variety of devices for employee and customer use across a range of operating systems, including fixed and mobile devices. In a world increasingly reliant on data to power AI and automation and to create a competitive edge, those devices must communicate, integrate, and be seamlessly manageable. Device management is Esper's specialty, and today we're joined by Keith Svot, Senior VP & Chief Evangelist, to explain why it's critical for the modern SaaS model to focus on outcomes. Why are VARs reluctant to sell device management services? What is "seamless provisioning"? How can you address multi-OS deployments? It's the episode that is anything but boring and predictable.   Around the Nation: Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter #VARValue - What is Esper’s value proposition for VARs? How do they help generate some sticky, recurring revenue to address outcomes?   On Our Radar Keith - RFID embedded in smartphones Dean - Exploring axolotl limb regeneration capabilities John - Weird tech of CES   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star   Sponsored by: Esper MDM Elo Pay M100

We're back! To launch us into a new year, Dean shares his experiences and insights from NRF 2026. We follow that with a look at our most popular podcasts and content from 2025, audit our predictions at the start of last year, and make new ones for 2026.   NRF 2026 - What's In, What's Out - Read the Article!   Top 2025 Content: The RFID Revolution How to Sell Networking & Connectivity RFID for Checkout 3 Things Retailers Want in POS Healthcare Mobility Survey VARTECH 2025 Recap   Around the Nation: The 2U Tour kicks off in Tampa on Feb. 24th #VARValue - What can VARs expect from BlueStar this year?   On Our Radar (Christmas Gift Edition) Dean - Electric pump, therapeutic massage gun, & candle warmer John - The Bartesian cocktail maker and Spider-Man 2 for the PS5   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe   Sponsored by: Elo Backpack, powered by Intel

We're wrapping up our sixth season with the annual discussion of all things Star Wars with special guest Sam Hughes! What's the latest news on new movies, series, and scrapped projects? We're actually getting a new film next year (The Mandalorian & Grogu), but will it be good? After brief discussions on "Skeleton Crew," "Tales of the Underworld," and "Visions 3," we dig deep into season 2 of "Andor," one of our favorite Star Wars projects.   Around the Nation: Happy Holidays from all of us to all of you in BlueStar Nation!   Keep in Touch! Email – [email protected] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-star Subscribe to the BlueStar Nation Newsletter - https://nation.bluestarinc.com/#subscribe    Sponsored by: Elo I-Series Steel