The international retail industry met in Düsseldorf, Germany from 26th February to 2nd March 2011 at the European biggest trade fair EuroShop 2011.

EuroCIS 2011 is the sector of EuroShop with the latest IT solutions and security technology, for customer service, process optimization and retail security systems – all clearly and compactly presented.

From international store chains to medium-sized businesses, visitors were eager for new solutions in the following areas:

• EPOS solutions and check-out solutions
• Printing and scanning systems
• Mobile solutions
• Retail security systems and stock control
• Reverse vending systems (returns)
• Workforce management solutions
• Weighing systems
• Business intelligence

At EuroCIS visitors could find innovative and intelligent checkout and self-service solutions, discover new mobile solutions.

Real celebrations on Saint Nicolas day for orphan children was organized by International Charitable Fund “Treasury of Art” and children folklore school “Pravytsya”.

Many of the orphans are living in dire situations right now. On December 19, 2010, a "Mykolay” charity Concert was held at the Academical Puppet Theater in Kyiv. Artists from children folklore school “Pravytsya” presented a wonderful performance. After the performance sweets, drinks and citrus waited for the orphan children. The donations for this charitable event were made by some companies including Iterator.

We invite you to join us in charity events! You'll feel a real sense of pride for helping to improve the lives of orphan children.

A QR code—a type of bar code that anyone can scan using a smart phone and a free app—directs the phone to a Web site or other content. While manufacturers will likely be adding QR codes to product packaging as the technology catches on, Jeff suggests forward-thinking retailers seize upon the possibilities now, and apply QR codes to the shelf edge as part of their mobile strategy. Just think how shelf-edge QR codes could instantly provide shoppers with coupons or relevant information such as country of origin, recipes, and the like.

Other interesting uses I’ve seen or heard of lately include several restaurants with these codes in their windows. You scan the code, and it takes you to a Google Reviews page where you can read what other people thought, see the menu and hours of operation, and get the link to their website if you want more information. There was a billboard that was just a large QR code. This approach will work while the idea is new and still clever, but will probably fade as they become more common place.

Each year, Hospitality Technology's Restaurant Technology Study presents readers with valuable insights into the ever-changing point of sale (POS) system marketplace. This year, HT asked respondents across quick service, family/casual, and fine dining restaurants to rank which POS features and peripherals matter most, their replacement plans for the years ahead, and the status of wireless terminal trends.