RTS 2024, the Retail Technology Show, was a great event for HiStone and B-Spoke Systems.
The Retail Technology Show 2024 (RTS 2024) was a great success for B-Spoke and HiStone! We had a busy few days with lots of visitors to our stand! We had point-of-sale systems on display and we have had considerable interest in the HK568, the HK578 and the HK960 models. Samples are now being tested by several large software companies, including pharmacy software houses. We were so pleased with the event that we have booked an even larger stand for the RTS 2025 Show!
RTS 2024 round-up
B-Spoke Systems is the UK’s largest independent distributor of HiStone EPOS hardware and also supplies Hisense commercial displays, with trade supply, UK-based support and showroom demonstrations for businesses across the UK and Ireland.
Looking for HiStone EPOS hardware? Browse our HiStone self-checkout kiosks, mobile tablet EPOS systems and all-in-one EPOS terminals, or contact B-Spoke Systems for trade supply across the UK and Ireland.
RTS 2024 at a Glance
The Retail Technology Show 2024 took place on 24th and 25th April 2024 at Olympia, London. We exhibited alongside HiStone as their UK distributor on booth 5A80, demonstrating the latest point-of-sale hardware to retailers, resellers and software houses from across the UK. Two busy days of demonstrations and conversations made RTS 2024 one of our most productive events of the year.
The Products Visitors Wanted to See at RTS 2024
HK568 Compact Self-Service Terminal
The compact HK568 drew a great deal of attention at RTS 2024. Its small footprint makes self-checkout and self-ordering practical in convenience stores, pharmacies, cafés and other spaces where a full-size kiosk would not fit. Many visitors were interested in how a countertop or wall-mounted unit could reduce queues at peak times without adding staff. See the HK568MSC self-service kiosk.
HK578 All-in-One POS
The HK578 is a compact all-in-one terminal combining a responsive touchscreen and fanless PC. At RTS 2024 it appealed to retailers wanting a tidy, modern counter and to resellers looking for a dependable model to standardise on. View the HK578 all-in-one POS.
HK960 All-in-One POS
The larger HK960 suits busy counters and feature-rich applications. Visitors to RTS 2024 with high transaction volumes, including multi-site retailers, were keen to see how it performed. See the HK960U all-in-one POS.
Software Houses and Pharmacy Software Testing
One of the most encouraging outcomes of RTS 2024 was the interest from software developers, including pharmacy software companies. Following the show, samples were sent to several software houses for testing with their platforms. This kind of compatibility testing is essential for software providers who want to recommend hardware to their customers with confidence, and it’s a service we continue to offer today. Find out more on our trade EPOS hardware page.
Pharmacy has been one of our core markets since 2003. Community pharmacies need compact, reliable terminals that fit behind busy counters and integrate with specialist pharmacy software, barcode scanning and card payments. The interest at RTS 2024 from pharmacy software developers reflected the strong fit between HiStone’s compact terminals and the needs of the sector.
Who Visited Our Stand at RTS 2024?
- Retailers exploring new tills and self-checkout.
- Multi-site retail chains looking to standardise hardware across their estates.
- EPOS resellers wanting to see HiStone hardware before recommending it.
- Software houses, including pharmacy software developers, interested in compatibility testing.
- Systems integrators working on larger retail technology projects.
Retail Technology Themes From RTS 2024
Conversations at RTS 2024 reflected several themes that have continued to shape UK retail technology.
Self-Service for Smaller Stores
Self-checkout is no longer only for large supermarkets. Compact kiosks make self-service practical for convenience stores, pharmacies and specialist shops.
Reliable, Modern Hardware
Retailers want terminals that are fast, look good and keep working. Fanless, commercial-grade designs with solid-state storage were a common requirement.
Software Compatibility
Retailers and resellers repeatedly asked whether hardware would work with their chosen software. Tested, accredited hardware reduces risk and installation time.
UK Stock and Support
Visitors valued a supplier with UK stock, in-house technicians and spare parts, rather than relying on long overseas lead times.
From RTS 2024 to a Bigger Presence
We were so pleased with the response at RTS 2024 that we booked a larger stand for the following year’s show. That decision paid off: at the Retail Technology Show 2025, HiStone’s stand was one of the largest and most eye-catching at the event, featuring the full range of EPOS terminals, self-checkout kiosks, tablets and a 100-inch Hisense commercial display. You can also read our preview of the HiStone EPOS highlights at the Retail Technology Show 2025.
The growth between RTS 2024 and the following year mirrored our own development as a business. Over that period we became the UK distributor for HiStone, expanded our stock and workshop capacity, and later refurbished our HiStone UK showroom in Leicester so customers could see the full range all year round.
What Happened After RTS 2024
Trade shows are only the beginning. After RTS 2024, our team followed up with visitors to arrange demonstrations, quotations and evaluation units. Software houses tested sample hardware with their applications, resellers built approved product lists and retailers planned pilot installations. Many of these conversations turned into long-term relationships that continue today.
The process typically followed a clear pattern:
- Follow-up call to understand requirements in more detail.
- Evaluation units for software houses and resellers to test compatibility.
- Recommendations and quotation based on the customer’s stores, software and volumes.
- Configuration in our Leicester workshop, including imaging, testing and asset tagging.
- Delivery of ready-to-install hardware, often packed per site.
- Ongoing support for warranty, repairs and spare parts.
Choosing Retail Hardware: Lessons From RTS 2024
The questions retailers asked at RTS 2024 are just as relevant today. If you’re planning new point-of-sale hardware, consider the following.
Start With Your Software
Your software determines the operating system and minimum specification. HiStone hardware supports Windows, Linux and Android, covering most UK retail platforms, but always confirm compatibility first.
Plan for Your Busiest Hour
Count transactions at peak times and make sure you have enough payment points. Adding a compact self-checkout unit or a handheld is often more cost-effective than another fixed till.
Consider Space and Layout
All-in-one terminals suit compact counters, while box POS systems offer flexibility for larger or custom layouts. Compact kiosks like the HK568 make self-service possible even in small stores.
Think About the Whole Estate
For multi-site retailers, standardising on one family of hardware simplifies training, support and spare parts, and makes opening new stores faster.
Choose a Supplier With UK Support
UK stock, in-house technicians and spare parts help keep downtime to a minimum. As the UK distributor for HiStone, we provide all three from our Leicester facility.
For more guidance, read our guide to choosing EPOS hardware for retail or visit our retail EPOS systems page.
About HiStone
HiStone is a long-established manufacturer of point-of-sale hardware, producing all-in-one terminals, box POS systems, mobile devices, self-service kiosks, kitchen display systems and scale POS solutions for retail and hospitality businesses worldwide. The range combines commercial-grade reliability with clean, modern design.
About B-Spoke Systems
B-Spoke Systems has supplied point-of-sale technology since 2003 and is the UK distributor for HiStone. From our 8,000 square foot Leicester facility we hold UK stock, configure and test hardware before dispatch and support retailers, hospitality operators, pharmacies, resellers and software houses across the UK and Ireland. We have been ISO9001 certified for over 20 years. Learn more about B-Spoke Systems or browse our EPOS hardware products.
A Closer Look at Self-Service for Compact Stores
Self-service was the topic that generated the most questions at RTS 2024, especially from resellers whose retail customers had assumed self-checkout was only practical for supermarkets. Compact terminals such as the HK568 changed that perception.
A countertop or wall-mounted self-service unit takes up very little space, yet it can handle a significant share of quick, low-value transactions during busy periods. In a convenience store, that might mean customers buying a drink and a snack at breakfast time. In a pharmacy, it might mean over-the-counter purchases, freeing staff to focus on prescriptions and advice. In a café, it might be takeaway coffee orders.
Retailers considering self-service usually have three questions: how many units they need, where to place them and how to manage risk. Many small stores start with a single unit near the main till, where staff can supervise it and help customers if needed. Clear signage, good camera coverage and software prompts for age-restricted items help manage risk. Measuring queue times and transaction volumes before and after installation shows whether to add more units.
The interest at RTS 2024 confirmed that compact self-service is one of the most practical ways for independent and convenience retailers to improve customer service without increasing staff costs. Since then, it has become one of the fastest-growing categories in our range. Browse our self-checkout kiosk systems for current models.
A Closer Look at All-in-One Terminals
All-in-one terminals remain the most popular choice for UK retail counters, and RTS 2024 showed why. They combine the computer, touchscreen and often a customer display in a single unit, saving space and reducing cable clutter. Fanless designs run quietly and resist dust, while solid-state storage gives fast start-up and better reliability. For multi-site retailers, a single standard model across every store simplifies support and training. Browse our all-in-one POS range.
Planning a Rollout After the Show
For retailers and resellers who decided to move forward after RTS 2024, careful planning made rollouts smoother. A good rollout plan usually covers:
- A standard specification – an agreed list of terminals, peripherals and kiosks for each store type.
- A pilot store – one location to test the configuration, gather staff feedback and refine processes.
- Network checks – confirming wired and wireless coverage for tills, kiosks and handhelds.
- Installation scheduling – avoiding peak trading periods and allowing time for training.
- Pre-configuration – hardware imaged, tested and asset-tagged before delivery.
- Site kits – equipment packed and labelled for each store to avoid mix-ups.
- Aftercare – clear processes for warranty, repairs and spare parts.
Our team supports each of these stages, drawing on experience of projects from single shops to nationwide estates. Because everything is prepared in our ISO9001-certified workshop, engineers can install hardware quickly and with confidence.
Hospitality Interest at a Retail Show
Although RTS 2024 is a retail event, a number of visitors came from cafés, food-to-go outlets and hospitality businesses with retail areas, such as garden centres and farm shops with cafés. They were interested in how the same hardware could serve both sides of the business: all-in-one terminals at the shop counter and café, self-order kiosks for takeaway drinks, and kitchen display systems for food preparation. Using one family of hardware across retail and hospitality areas keeps training and support simple, and it allows reporting to bring both sides of the business together. See our hospitality EPOS systems page for more on the hospitality range.
What Has Changed Since RTS 2024
Since RTS 2024, self-service has continued to spread into smaller stores, handheld devices have become more common on the shop floor and retailers have placed even more emphasis on reliable hardware with local support. The HiStone range has expanded, and our services for resellers and software houses have grown to include more configuration, kitting and drop-shipping options. The core message from RTS 2024 remains unchanged: retailers need fast, dependable technology that helps their teams serve customers well.
RTS 2024 Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was RTS 2024?
The Retail Technology Show 2024 took place on 24th and 25th April 2024 at Olympia, London.
Which stand were you on?
We exhibited alongside HiStone on booth 5A80.
Which products were most popular at RTS 2024?
The HK568 compact self-service terminal and the HK578 and HK960 all-in-one terminals attracted the most interest.
Can I still see these products?
Yes. The HiStone range, including newer models, is on display in our Leicester showroom. Contact us to arrange a visit or remote demonstration.
Do you test hardware with pharmacy software?
Yes. Following RTS 2024, samples were tested by several software companies, including pharmacy software developers, and we continue to offer evaluation units for compatibility testing.
Will you exhibit at future Retail Technology Shows?
We plan to keep attending major retail and hospitality technology events in the UK and Ireland. Follow our EPOS blog for news of upcoming shows, stand numbers and product launches, or contact our team to arrange a meeting at the next event.
Can resellers request samples like the software houses did after RTS 2024?
Yes. Resellers and software houses can request evaluation units to test HiStone hardware with their own applications before recommending it to customers.
How do I get in touch?
Call 0116 260 3100, email sales@b-spokesystems.com or contact us online.
Thank you for reading our RTS 2024 round-up. We look forward to welcoming you to our showroom or seeing you at the next show, where we’ll be demonstrating the latest HiStone hardware.
Get in touch with our team any time to arrange a demonstration.
About B-Spoke Systems: B-Spoke Systems is a Leicester-based EPOS hardware distributor and the UK distributor for HiStone. Since 2003 our EPOS distribution service has supplied configured, tested EPOS hardware to retailers, hospitality operators, software houses and resellers across the UK. Resellers can find out more about EPOS distribution and trade terms.