MoneyThumb
CA-based MoneyThumb introduces specialized conversion tools to import PDF bank and credit card statements for small business tax preparation.
NCR SelfServ 90
NCR’s newest FastLane SelfServ checkout solutions can be used as a free-standing self-checkout kiosk, installed on a countertop or even mounted on a wall. In a recent study of consumers in nine countries, 90% revealed they use self-checkout technology.
U.S. Bank E-Payment Service Kiosk
Companies, utilities, government entities and nonprofits that accept electronic payments from their customers can now collect those funds on-site with new E-Payment Service Kiosks from U.S. Bank Global Treasury Management. Similar to an ATM, U.S. Bank’s E-Payment Service Kiosks are customizable, free-standing units available to businesses, nonprofits, utilities and other billers that want to give their own customers the option to conveniently and securely pay bills on the spot.
NCR Launches Fully Weatherized, Free-Standing Cash Dispense ATM
NCR ATMs has made available the NCR ” SelfServ 28″ fully weatherized, free standing cash dispense ATM. The “SelfServ 28” allows financial institutions to extend their brand by offering ATM services in high traffic off-premise locations. The machine is an ideal complement to a bankâs existing ATM network as it can go wherever a bankâs customers need service, without the need to build a structure to house the ATM, offering both wired and wireless connectivity. The “SelfServ 28” ATM needs only a power outlet to operate has an ultra-low carbon footprint and is designed to be easily deployed and redeployed, allowing a financial institution to enhance its branding efforts with a minimal cost of ownership. It also features self-healing technology that allows the ATM to make minor repairs without a service call, full-motion instructional videos and a modular design to help make servicing easier and ensure maximum availability. NCR SelfServ ATMs have been purchased by more than 900 financial institutions in more than 110 countries around the world since 2008.
YAGOYASAN
For the integration of InComm technology, FUJITSU ADVANCED SOLUTIONS
LIMITED (FASOL) has launched its “YAGOYASAN” tool, which will streamline
operations for retailers carrying gift cards. InComm stored-value gift
and prepaid services network of 145,000 retail and sales locations
worldwide allow for the deployment of parameters in existing POS systems
and are linked to easy-to-use, low-cost, POS activation technology while
“YAGOYASAN” is scalable to retailers of all size throughout Japan.
Retailers implementing the new integration tool have no need for the
specialized knowledge of the ISO8583* standard, as developing a system
connecting to InComm’s advanced point-of-sale technology is fully
automated, while InComm processed nearly $8 billion in retail sales
transactions in 2008 through 145,000 retail locations.
Fifth Third Merchant Processing Up 9%
OH-based Fifth Third Bancorp reported that revenue for its Electronic payment processing services were flat compared to the prior quarter, but up 11% from one-year ago to $235 million. Merchant
processing revenue was up 9% from the previous year and card issuer interchange revenue increased 19% from the previous year. Interchange revenue growth was driven by an increased number of debit and credit card transactions and an increase in the average dollar amount per debit card transaction. Financial institutions revenue grew 6% from the third quarter of 2007 driven by higher transaction volumes. Fifth Third also reported the its credit card loans increased 26% to $1.72 billion. For complete details on Fifth Third’s latest performance visit CardData ([www.carddata.com](http://www.carddata.com)).
Retailers Report Dismal Sales in December
While Wal-Mart posted a 5.6% gain in retail sales for December and Macy’s was up 1.1% and Saks 0.8%, other retailers posted dismal results. Nordstrom reported a 3.8% decline and Limited Brands was down 8.0% in December sales, compared to one-year ago. Chico’s was off 13.7% while Ann Taylor declined 13.1% and Gottschalks dropped 13.8% in December. The National Retail Federation projected $474.5 billion in holiday retail sales, a 4% increase over 2006. Holiday sales in 2006 rose 5%. Over the last ten years, the average percentage increase in sales for the holiday season is 4.8%. Most of the retailers reporting today expect to post lower fourth quarter earnings than expected. Yesterday, the British Retail Consortium reported that retail sales rose 30 basis points in December compared with a year ago. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers same-store sales for December are expected to be up about 1%, indicating total sales for the holiday season rose only 2.25% in the U.S. (CF Library 9/21/07)
Ukrops Expands Savings Spot to Virginia
Ukrop’s Super Markets announced that its “Savings Spot” loyalty card program has expanded to all Ukrop’s Super Markets in Virginia. “Savings Spot”is a 1-to-1 shopper program delivering personalized offers and messages to shoppers at the start of their shopping trips. Shoppers scan their Ukrop’s Valued Customer Card (UVC Card) at the Savings Spot dispenser located near the store entrance and within seconds receive a sheet of up to eight offers and messages selected just for them based on their shopping history. Ukrop’s was the first retailer to pilot this system with its creator, Entry Point Communications (EPC) and joins Price Chopper based in Schenectady, NY in EPC’s growing retail media network of Entry Marketing dispensers. Ukrop’s Super Markets operates 28 retail food stores.
GCA Signs Three More ATM & Arriva Card Deals
Global Cash Access, has signed a multi-year extension to its current agreements with Virgin River Casino, Oasis Casino and Casablanca Casino. Under the agreement the three Nevada based casinos will take advantage of GCA’s latest products and services, including CasinoCash Plus 3-in-1 ATM, QuikCash Plus(QCP) Web, Arriva Card, and QuikCash cash advance terminals. The Arriva Card, issued by CIT Bank, is the first credit card specifically designed for use in casinos and has many features not typically available with most traditional credit cards, including potentially better rates and terms on cash advances and an exclusive loyalty program. Arriva also benefits casino operators by providing their guests with a new source of credit, at no risk to the casino operator.
GCA Inks Navegante Casinos for Cash Machines
Global Cash Access has signed an agreement with The Navegante Group to provide GCA’s full suite of products and services to Navegante’s seven gaming establishments. The Navegante Group will utilize GCA’s “QuikCash Plus Web” (QCP Web), “QuikCash” cash advance terminals, “3-in-1 Enabled QuickJack Plus” and “EDITH,” a kiosk placed at the end of a row of slot machines to enable casino patrons to purchase slot, or ticket-in ticket-out(TITO) vouchers with their debit card.
GCA Renews the Foxwoods Resort Casino Contract
Foxwoods Resort Casino has agreed to use Global Cash Access products and services for multiple years as part of a contract extension. Foxwoods will take advantage of multiple products and services including Arriva Credit Card, QuikCash Plus Web (QCP Web), Automated Cashier Machine (ACM) 3-in-1 ATM, QuikCash cash advance terminals, EDITH (Electronic Debit Interactive Terminal Housing) and Central Credit check warranty service offered by Central Credit, a wholly-owned subsidiary of GCA. Global Cash Access, Inc. is a leading provider of cash access products and related services to approximately 1,060 gaming properties and other clients in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada and the Caribbean.
Comerica Bank Pilots Voice-Guided ATMs
Detroit-based Comerica Bank is piloting voice-guidance ATMs for the visually impaired. With the voice-guidance ATMs, customers simply plug a standard set of headphones into the ATM’s headphone jack to hear instructions in English or Spanish. Comerica worked with representatives from Leader Dogs for the Blind to make the new ATMs as “user friendly” as possible for the visually impaired. Instructions will be provided for any ATM transaction being conducted, such as a deposit, withdrawal, balance inquiry or payment. Comerica Bank has 240 banking centers and 379 ATMs in metropolitan Detroit, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Midland and Muskegon.