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NRS Helps Independent Retailers Embrace Unified Commerce—While Giving Back to the Communities It Serves, Podcast
NRS Helps Independent Retailers Embrace Unified Commerce—While Giving Back to the Communities It Serves, Podcast, “I feel the pain when I see a merchant that goes out of business,” Katz says. “We developed our point-of-sale register specifically to give tools to these merchants so that they could compete.” By Doug Green “We don’t just sell or do business as usual. We understand the humanity part of doing business as well.” In this Technology Reseller News podcast, I spoke with Elie Katz, CEO of National Retail Solutions (NRS), about two closely connected ideas: helping independent retailers compete in a rapidly changing commerce environment and maintaining a company culture built around giving back. NRS Cares Katz discusses NRS Cares, an employee-led initiative supporting communities through blood drives, food donations, school visits and disaster-recovery efforts. A recent blood drive at the company’s Newark headquarters was especially personal for Katz, who underwent double-bypass surgery approximately two years ago and understands firsthand the lifesaving importance of donated blood. Giving back, he says, is not separate from the company’s business mission. NRS works closely with bodegas, convenience stores, liquor stores, tobacco shops, restaurants and other independent businesses—many of which face rising costs, tight margins, crime risks and increasing competition from larger retailers. “I feel the pain when I see a merchant that goes out of business,” Katz says. “We developed our point-of-sale register specifically to give tools to these merchants so that they could compete.” That hands-on approach also shapes NRS product development. Katz says he personally tries to visit 12 stores each month to speak with merchants, observe how they operate and understand their changing needs. The goal is to ensure that NRS technology is designed for the people who actually use it—not merely for engineers or product developers. Juniper Research projects $41 trillion market The conversation comes as Juniper Research projects the value of global point-of-sale transactions will increase from $30 trillion in 2026 to $41 trillion by 2031, driven in part by the convergence of in-store, online and mobile purchasing. For independent merchants, that shift is already underway. Katz says credit-card usage has risen significantly across the approximately 35,000 convenience stores using NRS point-of-sale systems. Younger shoppers increasingly carry no cash—and often no physical credit cards—relying instead on smartphones and digital wallets. Independent stores that remain cash-only risk missing an entire generation of customers. They may also expose themselves to additional security risks by keeping large amounts of cash onsite. Modern point-of-sale technology offers much more than payment acceptance. It can help merchants monitor inventory, understand sales patterns, manage employees, access payroll and financing services, and participate in delivery platforms. Katz says he continues to be surprised by the volume of orders flowing through NRS systems from DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber. Rather than being displaced by delivery services, neighborhood stores are increasingly using those platforms to extend their reach and serve customers beyond the physical storefront. For MSPs, technology resellers and other companies serving small businesses, NRS also offers a channel opportunity. Partners can bring point-of-sale systems, payment processing, payroll, cash advances and related services to independent merchants that need help modernizing. The broader message is that digital transformation does not have to leave neighborhood businesses behind. With accessible technology, practical training and local support, independent retailers can compete in unified commerce while continuing to play an essential role in their communities. Learn more or explore the NRS reseller program at NRSplus.com.
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