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Square, the payment-processing unit of San Francisco-based Block Inc., has unveiled two new apps for Square Terminal. The new apps, Square for Retail and Square Appointments, enable merchants to accept payments, returns, exchanges, and inventory inquiries at the counter, on the sales floor, curbside, or by opening another checkout counter to handle demand, the company says.
The new apps are part of Square’s consolidation strategy, which aims to enable sellers to operate within a single platform for a complete view of their business. For example, the new apps are compatible with customer relationship management (CRM) solutions such as marketing and loyalty. In addition, merchants can add payroll and team management to manage staff. Merchants can also set up checking and savings accounts. Among merchants using the new apps, 46% of Square Appointments sellers and 59% of Square for Retail sellers use three or more Square products, the company says.
“Merchants need flexible and mobile commerce that meets their unique business needs, all while being able to cater to the ever-changing consumer,” Alyssa Henry, head of Square, says via email. “With Square for Retail and Appointments now available on Square Terminal, merchants are equipped with powerful software and hardware that enables them to run their business right from the palm of their hands.”
Merchants can also leverage integrations with Square Online for streamlined inventory across locations and channels, Square says. In addition, retailers and beauty and personal-care sellers can offer Afterpay’s buy now, pay later functionality to provide more payment options.
“Consumers continue to want fast and convenient commerce that meets their specific needs and preferences in how they shop,” Henry says. “These integrations ensure that merchants of any size, type, or complexity can improve their operational efficiency and customer experience, all while working seamlessly within Square’s ecosystem of commerce solutions.”
Square Terminal, available on Square Shop, Amazon, BestBuy, Target, and Walmart, is priced at $299. Square for Retail and Square Appointments have three monthly subscription plans: Free, Premium, and Plus. Square for Retail Plus is $60 a month and the premium package has custom pricing. Square for Appointments Plus is $29 a month and the premium package is $69 a month.
