Retail is no longer just about selling products—it’s about creating seamless, intelligent, and connected shopping experiences. From boutique stores in Paris to roadside stalls in Nairobi, businesses are upgrading to smart Point-of-Sale (POS) systems to stay competitive, efficient, and customer-focused. Once just a cash register, the POS system has evolved into a powerful business engine—offering everything from inventory tracking and digital payments to customer relationship management and real-time analytics. "POS systems today are more than tools—they’re business partners," says Jenna Raines, a retail technology consultant in San Francisco. "They help shop owners make better decisions, reduce loss, and scale with confidence."   Retail Gets a Digital Brain Modern cloud-based POS platforms like Square, Shopify POS, Lightspeed, and Toast are turning small retail stores, restaurants, and service providers into tech-savvy businesses. These systems now allow for: Real-time inventory tracking Multi-location sales syncing Digital invoicing & receipts Customer loyalty programs Sales trend forecasting QR-based and contactless payments Even micro-businesses, such as food trucks or mobile vendors, are using portable POS devices with mobile data connectivity to track sales and accept digital payments on the go.   Smarter Customers, Smarter Shops Today’s customer expects speed, personalisation, and convenience. POS systems now store customer preferences, purchase history, and offer loyalty rewards automatically—creating a more personalised shopping journey. "A good POS helps us know our customers better," says Niko Choi, owner of a lifestyle store in Seoul. "It tells us what’s selling, who’s buying, and what they’ll likely want next."   Bridging Offline and Online With the global boom in omnichannel retail, businesses are using POS systems to integrate in-store sales with their e-commerce platforms. Whether customers buy online, pick up in-store, or return an item at a different location, the system syncs all data in one place. This unified experience is key to building trust, especially in competitive markets like fashion, electronics, and speciality foods.   Data-Driven Decision-Making In 2025, running a shop without data is like sailing without a compass. POS analytics now help business owners track best-selling products, slow-moving stock, profit margins, and peak shopping hours—all visualised in clean dashboards. "I used to guess how much stock to reorder," says Maria Fernandez, a shop owner in Buenos Aires. "Now, my POS tells me exactly when and how much to restock."   Security, Scalability, and Speed Modern POS systems come with robust data protection, employee access controls, and cloud backups. They also scale easily—from one stall to multiple branches—without needing to overhaul infrastructure. Thanks to mobile compatibility and offline syncing, business doesn't stop even when the internet drops.   The Future of POS: AI, Automation, and Voice The next generation of POS systems will include AI-powered suggestions, automated inventory reordering, and even voice-activated checkout. Some are testing facial recognition for loyalty identification and augmented reality displays for product demos. As businesses adopt these technologies, customer experience is set to become faster, smarter, and more immersive. The point of sale is no longer just the end of the customer journey—it’s the core of smart business strategy. In a world where every sale counts, the right POS system can be the difference between staying afloat or scaling up. "It’s not just about selling anymore," says Jenna. "It’s about selling smart."

Today’s consumers are not just buying products—they’re buying values. Across the world, people are increasingly choosing to spend their money on brands that align with their beliefs about the environment, ethics, and social impact. As a result, businesses—big and small—are shifting from pure profit models to purpose-driven strategies.From eco-friendly fashion startups in Copenhagen to ethical tech brands in Seoul, the new business trend is clear: sustainability is not just good for the planet—it’s good for business.   The Rise of the Ethical Buyer Studies from Nielsen and McKinsey show that 73% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer to support brands that are environmentally responsible and socially aware. They want to know where products come from, how they’re made, and whether workers are treated fairly."Today’s consumer does their research," says Clara Wang, a brand strategist based in Singapore. "They check labels, read reviews, and expect transparency. If your business isn’t ethical, you’ll lose trust."   Green is the New Gold Sustainable packaging, carbon-neutral logistics, circular product models, and local sourcing are becoming key selling points. Major corporations like Unilever and Nike have already launched product lines made from recycled or renewable materials, while small businesses are building their entire identity around eco-conscious missions.Tech platforms like EcoCart and Planetly now help businesses track and offset their carbon footprint. Meanwhile, Shopify and Etsy have introduced features to highlight sustainable sellers and eco-friendly shipping."We’ve seen a 40% increase in sales after switching to biodegradable packaging," says Antonio Ruiz, founder of a Spain-based organic skincare line. "Customers appreciate the extra effort."   Business with a Human FaceIt’s not just the environment—social justice, fair trade, mental health, and inclusivity have also become central to business branding. Companies are using their platforms to speak up on issues, support communities, and create equitable workplaces.Initiatives like "Buy One, Give One," local donation programs, or employing marginalized workers are making real-world impact and building loyal customer bases."Purpose is now a competitive edge," says Jessica Morgan, an economist at the University of Toronto. "Consumers reward brands that care, and investors increasingly consider ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) performance in funding decisions."   Challenges and Accountability While many businesses adopt sustainable practices sincerely, others risk falling into greenwashing—claiming eco-friendliness for marketing without real action. This has led to increased demand for third-party certifications, impact reports, and public accountability.Customers are becoming more critical, pushing businesses to back up their words with real evidence—whether that’s plastic reduction data, ethical sourcing documentation, or fair labor audits.   The Future: Business as a Force for Good What began as a niche movement is now mainstream. Conscious consumerism is no longer optional; it’s a business imperative. As global challenges like climate change and inequality intensify, companies that contribute to solutions—rather than problems—will be the ones that survive and thrive."In 2025, success isn’t just about revenue," says Clara. "It’s about relevance, responsibility, and real impact."

Global – In today’s fast-evolving digital economy, small is powerful. From freelance consultants in Toronto to solo e-commerce brand owners in Jakarta, a quiet revolution is underway—led by the rise of the "solopreneur". Empowered by automation tools, remote work, and global e-commerce platforms, millions of people are choosing to work for themselves—building lean, one-person businesses that generate significant income without large teams or offices. "You don’t need a big company to make a big impact anymore," says Ana Delgado, a content strategist based in Mexico City who serves clients across three continents. "With the right tools and mindset, one person can build a global brand."   Technology Levels the Playing Field In 2025, solopreneurs have more resources than ever. AI tools handle tasks like scheduling, customer service, accounting, and even marketing. Platforms like Shopify, Canva, and ChatGPT allow individuals to operate like micro-agencies—efficiently, scalably, and at low cost. Digital banks, no-code website builders, and automated fulfilment services have made it possible for anyone to start and run a business from their laptop or smartphone. "I run my online store from my phone while travelling," says Felix Mumba, a solo entrepreneur selling handmade leather goods from Lusaka, Zambia. "It’s freedom and income combined."   Passion Meets Profit Unlike traditional entrepreneurship, today’s solo businesses are often rooted in personal passion—whether it’s coaching, digital art, handmade crafts, or niche consulting. Many are rejecting the pressure of rapid scaling, instead opting for sustainability, work-life balance, and creative control. This has also led to a rise in "lifestyle businesses"—ventures designed not to dominate markets but to support a fulfilling life. "My goal isn’t to be a billionaire," says Laila Chowdhury, a wellness coach in Dubai. "It’s to make a living doing what I love, on my own terms."   The Gig Economy Evolves The gig economy—once dominated by short-term, unstable jobs—is maturing. Professionals now build long-term client relationships, recurring income models, and personal brands. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr Pro, and LinkedIn have transformed into career-building ecosystems rather than one-off job markets. Even traditional employers are adapting, increasingly hiring solopreneurs for project-based consulting roles instead of permanent staff, allowing for flexibility on both sides.   Challenges Still Exist Of course, the solopreneur path isn’t without obstacles. Isolation, inconsistent income, legal complexities, and scaling limitations are real challenges. But communities, co-working spaces, and digital mentorship platforms are helping ease these burdens. Governments in countries like Estonia and Singapore are now introducing policies to support solo business owners—including simplified taxes, remote business registration, and digital nomad visas.   The Future is Independent As younger generations prioritise freedom, creativity, and purpose over corporate titles, the solo business trend is expected to grow even further. According to recent data from Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, over 430 million people globally now identify as independent entrepreneurs or freelancers. "The 9-to-5 is no longer the only success path," says Ana. "In 2025, success looks like independence, impact, and balance—and the solopreneur is leading the way."

IsDB to give $241.3m for climate-resilient bridges

Extortion remains rampant, threatens business confidence

The protesting officials, under the banner of "the NBR Reform Unity Council," today announced a fresh five-day programme, demanding the immediate removal of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman alongside the repeal of the new ordinance.

Stocks gained in morning trade today, extending their positive run for the second consecutive day.

The latest proposal by US President Donald Trump that foreign remittances sent from the US be taxed at 5 percent is a cause of major concern for Bangladesh. With Bangladesh as one of the leading recipients of international remittances, the country risks notable economic repercussions if ever such a proposal is implemented. During the first nine months of the 2024–25 financial year, remittances from the USA amounted to approximately $3.94 billion and accounted for more than 18 percent of the country's total remittance inflows. The amount highlights the significance of the Bangladeshi diaspora in the United States and their vital role in the national economy.