Holiday In-Store Payment Fraud: How Small Merchants Can Protect Every Sale This Season

in-store payment fraud

The holiday season is the busiest stretch of the year for most small businesses. Lines are longer, seasonal staff are still learning the ropes, and everyone behind the counter is focused on keeping things moving. Unfortunately, fraudsters know this too. The same rush that drives your best sales weeks also creates the perfect cover for in-store payment fraud.

One Terminal, No Clutter: The Case for a Single Terminal for EBT and Credit Cards

single terminal for EBT and credit cards

Walk behind the counter of almost any independent c-store, bodega, or small grocer and you will likely find the same setup: a dial-up EBT box wedged next to a separate credit card terminal, both fighting for the same six inches of counter space. It works, technically. But “it works” is a low bar when that same setup is quietly costing you time, accuracy, and money every single day.

Meet CHEXIT AI POS: The Smart, Affordable Way to Run Your Bodega

chexit ai pos

Running a bodega, a corner grocery, a liquor store, or a smoke shop means wearing a dozen hats at once. You’re the cashier, the inventory manager, and the compliance officer, all before lunch. Most point-of-sale systems weren’t built with that reality in mind. They’re either too basic to help you grow or too expensive and complex for a small storefront to justify.

Accepting EBT at Your Butcher Shop: The Complete Guide to SNAP Authorization and Payments

butcher shop EBT

Butcher shop EBT acceptance is one of the most overlooked revenue opportunities in specialty retail. Tens of millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits and are actively looking for quality local meat, yet most independent butcher shops and meat markets still do not accept EBT. The barrier is rarely eligibility; most shops already carry the inventory needed to qualify for SNAP authorization. What has held many back is the lack of a payment system built for how a butcher counter operates. CHEXIT POS by CDE changes that. It is an all-in-one platform purpose-built to handle butcher shop EBT, scale-integrated pricing, dual pricing, and split-tender checkout at the counter. This guide covers everything you need to get authorized and get the most out of every transaction.

Health Benefit Cards: A Retailer’s Guide to Getting Started

health benefit cards

Millions of Medicare Advantage members carry supplemental spend card which includes Health Benefits that can only be spent at stores participating in the S3 network. These are Medicare Advantage members with pre-funded monthly or quarterly allowances for eligible food and OTC health products, and they actively use the Healthy Benefits+ app to find participating stores before they shop. If your store is not in the network, you are invisible to that customer base entirely. Learning how to accept Health Benefit is one of the most straightforward ways to open your store to a large, recurring customer segment that is already looking for places to spend.

SNAP Retailer Authorization: How to Apply to Accept EBT at Your Store

snap retailer authorization

If your store is not yet authorized to accept SNAP EBT, you are missing a payment type that nearly 1 in 8 Americans relies on for food purchases. The good news is that SNAP retailer authorization is a free, online process administered directly by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), and most stores that sell food can qualify. This guide walks store owners and operators through every step, from eligibility requirements to what happens after authorization is granted.

EBT and Credit Card Payments: Fees, Compliance, and What Retailers Need to Know

ebt and credit card payments

Retailers who accept both EBT and credit or debit cards are operating across two distinct payment systems simultaneously. Each has its own fee structure, compliance requirements, and risk exposure. Understanding how both work at the processing level helps retailers manage costs, avoid violations, and build a checkout experience that works for every customer.

Convenience Store Trends: What’s Driving Growth Today

convenience store trends

Convenience store trends in 2026 are redefining what it means to compete in a rapidly evolving retail landscape. No longer limited to fuel and snacks, today’s C-stores are becoming technology-driven, experience-focused destinations. From all-in-one POS systems to expanded payment options like EBT and OTC Benefits, operators are embracing new strategies to increase revenue, streamline operations, and meet rising customer expectations.

All-In-One POS System vs Standalone Terminal: Which Is Best for Your Business?

all in one POS

For years, many small businesses relied on standalone credit card terminals to accept payments. These devices perform one primary function: processing transactions. While that approach works for basic payment acceptance, modern businesses increasingly need more tools to manage inventory, track sales, and understand customer behavior.

How Payment Processing Fees Affect Small Business Profit Margins

payment processing fees

Payment processing fees may seem like a small cost per transaction, but over time they can significantly impact a small business’s profit margins. In 2026, as card usage continues to dominate in-store and online purchases, merchants are feeling increasing pressure from interchange fees, assessment fees, and processor markups. Understanding how these costs affect your bottom line, and how strategies like dual pricing can help, is essential for maintaining profitability.

The Best POS System for Small Stores in 2026 

Best POS System for Small Stores

The best POS system does more than process transactions, it serves as the operational backbone of a modern retail business. In 2026, small stores need technology that supports faster checkouts, real-time inventory tracking, flexible payment options, and data-driven insights. Choosing the right POS system helps eliminate inefficiencies while positioning for sustainable growth.

New SNAP Restrictions: Keys to Success in 2026

New USDA SNAP Requirements

New SNAP restrictions from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) are now in effect, introducing important policy changes that redefine how retailers must apply purchase limitations—particularly for items like candy, sugary drinks, and other state‑regulated products. If your store accepts SNAP, these updates may require adjustments to your POS system, staff training, and overall […]

Avoid These Common Retail Mistakes in 2026 That Cost Small Retailers Time and Money

Retail Mistakes

Many of the biggest challenges small retailers face today aren’t caused by market conditions alone, but by retail mistakes that go unnoticed in daily operations. Outdated technology, unclear processes, and skipped reviews can quietly erode profit and efficiency. As 2026 introduces new expectations around payments and compliance, addressing these retail mistakes proactively help businesses stay resilient and prepared for growth.  

One Platform, Many Ways to Win: POS Integration for Busy Retailers

POS Integration

POS Integration is essential for businesses that want to offer smooth, reliable payment experiences for every customer–and CHEXIT can help. By connecting payment processing, menu data, reporting tools, and compliance requirements into one system, integrated POS solutions help restaurants reduce errors, speed up transactions, and operate more efficiently.

Retail Weighing Scales 101: Everything You Need to Know If You Sell by Weight

retail weighing scales

If you run a meat market, bakery, deli, or produce stand, you know how important reliable retail weighing scales are. A certified legal-for-trade scale keeps you compliant with legal standards, prevents costly errors, and ensures customers are charged fairly. Best of all, using an accredited scale builds trust – when people know they’re getting what […]

Winning Customer Loyalty in a Crowded Retail Market

customer loyalty

Customer loyalty doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built through consistency, connection, and care. In an age where shoppers have endless options, the most successful retailers are the ones who make every visit feel personal. With the right tools and a focus on customer loyalty, small businesses can transform casual shoppers into devoted regulars who keep coming back.

EBT Retailer Application: Discover Your Instant SNAP Eligibility!

New USDA SNAP Requirements

Starting your EBT Retailer Application is more than just paperwork, it’s a strategic move to expand your customer reach and strengthen your store’s community impact. By becoming SNAP-authorized, your business can better serve families who rely on EBT benefits while increasing sales on everyday essentials. The process is simpler than many think, and the payoff […]

A Point of Sale System and Inventory Tracking That Actually Works

Point of Sale System

A reliable point of sale system is the backbone of successful retail operations. Beyond processing payments, today’s POS technology helps store owners stay ahead of inventory challenges, uncover sales trends, and make smarter business decisions. With automation and real-time tracking, retailers can reduce errors, boost efficiency, and keep shelves stocked with what customers want most.

Retail Store Management Solutions That Help You Accept Every Payment Type

Retail Store Management

Retail store management goes far beyond inventory and staffing; it’s also about making checkout effortless. When customers can’t pay how they want, sales are lost, and loyalty erodes. By investing in modern retail store management solutions, retailers can accept every payment type, simplify operations, and deliver the seamless experience today’s shoppers expect. 

7 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade to a Modern POS System 

pos

Upgrading to a modern POS system can significantly improve these aspects and enhance overall store performance. POS system performance can make or break your retail operations. When it’s outdated, slow, or limited in features, it hurts efficiency and customer satisfaction. Recognizing the 7 signs it’s time to upgrade your POS system ensures you stay ahead […]

How to Increase Sales in a Retail Store: 10 Proven Strategies

How to Increase Sales in a Retail Store

Learning how to increase sales in a retail store operations is the key to long-term success. With shoppers returning to physical store, in the past couple of years, the opportunity to grow is bigger than ever. By focusing on customer loyalty, smart inventory planning, omnichannel strategies, and modern POS tools, retailers can strengthen customer relationships […]

How to Open a Grocery Store: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Open a Grocery Store

Opening an independent grocery store is a great opportunity to meet rising demand for locally-based staple food items. However, knowing how to open a grocery store requires more than just passion. From planning and licensing to financing and technology, this guide covers the essential steps every new owner needs to open a grocery store successfully.

How to Choose the Best Payment Processor for Your Small Business

Best Payment Processor

Choosing the best payment processor for your small business is more important than ever. Today’s shoppers expect fast, secure, and flexible payment options, ranging from credit cards to mobile e-wallets. Selecting the best processor ensures you can meet these expectations while improving your cash flow, boosting efficiency, and supporting your store’s growth.

Why Every Retailer Needs a Retail Inventory Management System

A retail inventory system is a technology-driven solution that helps businesses manage stock levels, monitor product movement, and analyze sales data. It streamlines tasks like demand forecasting, tracking sales, and reordering products at the right time. Many modern systems combine POS and inventory management into one platform — an efficient, all-in-one solution ideal for small […]

How to Advertise Your Store Accepts EBT: The Importance of POP

Adapting to the needs of your customers is key to driving sales and enhancing the shopping experience. One way to open your doors to a new population and enhance the customer experience for SNAP recipients is by accepting EBT payments. Once you are set up to accept EBT payments, advertising your store’s EBT acceptance effectively […]

Understanding the Price-Conscious Customer

In today’s retail environment, where inflation and economic uncertainty are at the forefront of consumers’ minds, store owners must navigate the delicate balance between quality and affordability. As customers become more price-sensitive, understanding their needs and adjusting business strategies accordingly is essential.

2024 Grocery Industry Trends: Key Strategies for Store Owners

The grocery industry is expected to transform in 2024, driven by evolving consumer behaviors and technological advancements. For store owners, staying ahead of these trends is not only beneficial, but important for success this year. Learn the pivotal trends that grocery store owners should watch and adapt to in 2024 based on highlights from Progressive […]

How Store Owners Can Take Advantage of the Holiday Travel Surge

During the holiday season, convenience store and grocery owners are presented with a golden opportunity to capitalize on the significant increase in travel. According to AAA, a staggering 115.2 million Americans are expected to travel this holiday season, marking the second highest year-end travel forecast since 2000. This increase in travelers, many of whom will […]

How Grocers Are Innovating in the Face of Challenges

In recent years, nearly every industry has faced challenges like increasing inflation and reduced consumer buying power. Supermarkets and grocers, despite being community staples, are not immune to these evolving economic landscapes. However, in the face of these challenges, grocers have shown remarkable adaptability and innovation, seeking new growth avenues within the constraints of tight […]

Adapting to Cooling Inflation: Strategies for Retailers This Holiday Season

As we head into this holiday season, a significant shift in the retail landscape is emerging, one that requires a strategic response from retailers. Recent reports, including a detailed analysis from the Wall Street Journal, highlight a trend of cooling inflation, presenting both challenges and opportunities for retailers.

How to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Your Store

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15th to October 15th, is a significant time to honor the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States. Stores like yours play an integral role in our communities and it’s essential to recognize and celebrate this cultural diversity in your store. Let’s explore creative […]

Strategic Inventory Planning: When Retailers Should Order Holiday Inventory

The holiday season is a crucial time for retailers of all kinds. Whether you run a grocery store, a convenience store (c-store), or a specialty retail shop, planning your inventory for holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving is essential to meet customer demand, maximize profits, and ensure a smooth shopping experience. We know it is only […]

How to Accept EBT Payments at My Business: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a business owner looking to increase your customer base and boost sales, accepting EBT payments is a smart move. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is a government program that provides assistance to low-income individuals and families, making it an essential part of many households’ financial resources. By accepting EBT payments, you can tap into […]

Ensuring Food Safety in Convenience Stores: Best Practices for a Healthy Experience

Ensuring food safety in convenience stores is key for store owners operating a foodservice option. We understand the importance of a clean and safe shopping environment, especially when it comes to food. We’ve gathered valuable insights from a recent article by NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) to provide you with the best practices to […]

Revitalize Your Store’s Healthy Food Offering: 3 Data-Driven Strategies

Welcome, fellow store owners, to a revitalizing journey into transforming your healthy food offerings. Are you ready to boost your business by nourishing your customers? Let’s dive into three data-backed strategies that will energize your store and delight your health-conscious clientele.

Strengthening Grocery Revenue: Strategies to Thrive in Challenging Times

In the face of declining grocery sales, grocers must rise to the challenge and seek innovative ways to enhance revenue streams. The June 2023 Retail Census Bureau report has shed light on the need for adaptation and transformation in the grocery industry. In this blog post, we explore potential solutions that can help grocers increase […]

How Inflation Impacts the Supply Chain

The global economy is a complex web of interconnected systems, and one of the most crucial links in this intricate network is the supply chain. The supply chain is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services from manufacturers to consumers worldwide. However, in recent times, the supply chain has faced unprecedented challenges […]

The Promising Growth of U.S. Grocery Retail

The landscape of grocery retail in the United States has been evolving rapidly, driven by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and shifting market dynamics. According to a recent report published by Supermarket News, the US grocery retail industry is poised for steady growth, with a projected annual increase of 6%. Learn the key findings of […]

Grocery Store Outlook: Summarizing Progressive Grocer’s Industry Report

The grocery industry is a vital part of our everyday lives, and its continuous evolution impacts consumers, retailers, and suppliers alike. In the 90th annual report released by Progressive Grocer, a leading industry publication, a significant focus was placed on the PG-100—the top 100 grocery retailers in the United States. The report sheds light on […]

Supporting Social Issues: 5 Ways It Draws More Customers

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in consumer behavior and expectations. Customers are no longer solely focused on the products or services a company offers; they also want to align themselves with brands that share their values and actively contribute to social issues. This growing trend highlights the importance of supporting social […]

The Impact of Litter on Customer Perception: Keeping Your Business Clean + Customer-Friendly

Store owners may not realize the impact litter has on customer perception and the environment. While factors such as quality products, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing are widely recognized as crucial elements, one aspect that is often overlooked is the store itself. The presence of litter can significantly influence how customers perceive your store, […]

Why the Snack Category is King

Convenience stores, groceries, and bodegas are known for snack stops. Whether your store attracts road trip snackers or city dwellers looking for a late-night snack from your bodega or grocery store, snacking is a key category for business. Even more so the last couple of years with consumer snacking being on the rise.

Refresh Your Store’s Foodservice Menu

Foodservice for convenience stores grew in 2022 and brought in more profit for business owners. In order to keep up with changing customer needs, it is important to make changes to your menu every once in a while. Food trends are constantly changing, so be sure to ask your customers what they’d like to see […]

What Retailers Can Expect This Fourth of July

The 4th of July brings convenience stores more road trip customers, grocers more customers looking for supplies for their cookout, and other specialty retailers more people looking for 4th of July themed goods. According to a recent report from the Vacationer, 219 million American adults say they intend to travel this summer, with an increased […]

Where Do SNAP Customers Shop?

SNAP customers shop can use their EBT cards to purchase healthy food items from convenience stores, grocery stores, quick service restaurants (in states that operate an RMP), bodegas, and other specialty retailers. What you may not know is SNAP customers can bring in a new revenue stream to your business.

4 Ways to Build Customer Loyalty

Retailers need to know the importance of building customer loyalty for their business. Even convenience store owners, grocers, pharmacies, and other specialty retailers experience the benefits loyal customers bring. Returning customers spend 67% more than new customers, according to business.com. Winning these customers can also increase awareness for your store, ultimately generating more foot traffic. […]

C-Stores + Grocers: Preparing for the Memorial Day Rush

NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores) predicts 37.1 million Americans will go on a road trip for Memorial Day, up 6% from last year. With more travelers on the road, convenience stores, grocery stores, and other specialty retailers should expect increased foot traffic during the holiday weekend.  

3 Ways Retailers Can Combat a Challenging Labor Market

Grocers, c-store owners, and other retailers have experienced a challenging labor market recently. COVID-19 impacted the labor market in many ways. Store owners are experiencing a shortage of employees, higher turnover rates, and difficulty hiring. 3 ways store owners can help alleviate these challenges are…

Maximize Your Revenue: Benefits of Accepting EBT at Your Store

Accepting EBT at your store has many benefits for your business. A recent Supermarket News article  cited “SNAP households represent 24% of U.S. consumer goods spend.” Opening your doors to this new market can increase your revenue and your store’s foot traffic.

Requirements to Accept EBT Payments in Your Store

The requirements to accept EBT payments in your store can be confusing for owners. Seeing if you qualify to be a SNAP retailer, the application process, and even the reauthorization process for existing retailers can be time-consuming and difficult for busy store owners. Make the process a little easier with this quick, easy overview of […]

How Your Store’s Restroom Can Impact Business

Restroom cleanliness, layout, and overall design have a bigger impact on c-store and grocer customers than you may realize. An unclean restroom can lead to increased customer complaints, less return customers, decreased in-store purchases and other challenges. On the flip side, having a clean restroom can help encourage customer loyalty, in-store purchases, and even play […]

How to Make Your Baked Goods Inventory Stand Out

Bakery items can often get lost in convenience stores, grocery stores, and bodegas. This could lead to food loss due to not selling your fresh baked bread, bagels, and more as well as lost sales. Here are 4 ways to make your baked goods stand out, attract more sales, and generally improve your bakery inventory…

Shoplifting Prevention Tips for Your Store

Shoplifting is a big problem for a variety of retailers, but especially for retailers like grocery stores and convenience stores that have products with lower margins. According to FBI crime data, there were 548K shoplifting cases in 2021. Additionally, the Annual Retail Theft Survey reported that retailers lose $15-$20B annually to shoplifters, up 26.6% from […]

Grocer Trends: How to Improve Your Health + Wellness Aisle

Grocery stores are key spots for health and wellness products for consumers to meet their health goals. The New Year always brings an influx of people interested in healthier options, but according to the New York Post, over 70% of Americans are more health conscious after the pandemic. This means that healthier products will be […]

Marketing My Store: Your Guide to Branded Merchandise

Grocers, convenience stores, and other specialty retailers could benefit from selling branded merchandise in-store. Selling branded merchandise can increase brand awareness, bring in new customers, improve customer loyalty, and boost sales.

Enhancing the C-Store Shopping Experience: A Guide for Store Owners

C-stores experienced a 6.2% growth in in-store sales in 2022, a record high according to c-store news’ state of the industry report. This means that store owners should take a look at their in-store shopping experience and ensure that everything is running smoothly.

3 Ways Business Owners Can Overcome a Post-Holidays Sales Slump

For c-store owners, grocers, and other specialty retailer the holidays usually bring in more customers, more sales, and an overall busier store. November and December are often notably busy times of year. C-store owners see an increase in travel which means more people stopping in for fuel or a quick snack and grocers have a […]

4 Ways to Market Your Business to Your Community

Being an independent retailer can come with challenges. It may be more difficult to market your business in your community and stand out against the competition, luckily there are a few easy and inexpensive ways to familiarize local customers with your business.

High Sales with Low Profits, How to Maximize Revenue in Your Store

If your store is experiencing high sales and low profits, you may need to re-evaluate your profit margins. Profit margin measures a retailer’s profit after subtracting cost from how much you sell the item for, if this number is positive then you are making money. As a business owner, you always want to maximize your […]

3 Ways Independent Retailers Can Support SNAP Customers

Independent grocers, c-stores, and other specialty retailers are prime pieces in the puzzle of fighting hunger. These retailers are key community pillars that economically support many in their community, especially people like SNAP recipients.

4 Ways C-stores, Grocers, Specialty Retailers Gear Up for Christmas

C-stores, grocers, and specialty retailers should gear up for Christmas. The holiday season is certain to be a busy one. 47% of Americans plan to travel this season, according to travel leisure and consumers plan to spend $832.84 on average for holiday items like food and décor and gifts, according to NACS.

Become a SNAP Retailer and Fight Hunger this Holiday Season

SNAP retailers are always a vital resource for SNAP recipients, but they are especially important during the holiday season. More than 34 million people, including 9 million children, are food insecure during the United States, according to the USDA. With the holiday season revolving largely around gathering with friends and family to enjoy a meal, […]

SNAP Retailer Tips: Seasonal Produce and SNAP-Ed

SNAP retailers can benefit from knowing what produce is in season. SNAP-Ed emphasizes the added benefits of buying seasonal produce and provides this resource for what produce is in season now.

3 Ways Retailers Can Prepare for the Holiday Rush

Retailers, it’s already that time of year again! Time to start preparing your retail space and inventory for the upcoming holidays. With Christmas and Thanksgiving being the top 2 most celebrated holidays in the United States, there is no doubt that this time of year makes retailers a lot busier. Along with the joyful holiday […]

Food Deserts and How You Can Increase Access to Foods

Food deserts are defined by the USDA as “low-income census tracts with a substantial number or share of residents with low levels of access to retail outlets selling healthy and affordable foods.” In food deserts it is extremely difficult for kids, families, and communities to access foods that promote health and strength. There are many […]

Get Your Store Ready for Halloween Festivities!

Retailers should prepare their stores for Halloween! Whether it’s making sure you’re stocked up on plenty of candy or getting your Halloween themed displays prepped and ready to go, the holiday is quickly approaching so make sure your store is ready to go for the festivities!

Solving the Age-Verification Puzzle: 4 Ways to Ensure Compliance

Keeping up with changing requirements for proper age verification can be a challenge for retailers. It is difficult to keep regulators, customers and even your employees satisfied. How do you balance between having a strict 100% ID check policy, trusting your employees to make good judgements, and keeping your regular customers happy? Here are 4 […]

TruAge Age Verification Solution: A New Way to ID

TruAge is an innovative, universally accepted age-verification system that makes it more accurate to verify an adult customer’s age when purchasing age-restricted products, and at the same time makes identity theft difficult. One-time-use digital tokens are used to share only the most important elements to confirm the purchaser is of legal age, which also protects the user’s privacy. Since […]

Retail Trends for C-Stores and Grocers This Fall

Retailers nationwide are preparing to accommodate all things fall this season – from seasonal produce to Halloween candy and more! In honor of the first day of fall, let’s dive in to what inventory trends you should expect to see this fall.

5 Ways to Make a Difference During Hunger Action Month

Hunger Action Month happens each year during the month of September and is designed for people to come together to join the fight against hunger. Today marks the first day of September, making today a great time to learn about how you can make a difference. Here are 5 ways to get involved during Hunger […]

5 Age-Verification Sales Tips Your Staff Should Learn

Age verification is important now more than ever since there are approximately 54,000,000 age-restricted transactions per day. The United States has laws in place that protect minors from age-restricted items, and if your store accidentally makes an age-restricted sale to a minor, then you could possibly face legal trouble. Here are 5 things your staff […]

5 Ways Store Owners Can Prepare for an Active Shooter Event

Active shooter situations are increasing. What can grocery store and convenience store owners do to prepare for these terrifying situations? It is no secret that active shooter cases have been on the rise over the last several years, and with the recent grocery store shootings in Colorado, Florida and New York, grocers need to be […]

How Delivery Options Could Benefit Your Small Business

Delivery services have been established for decades now, but have not seen a lot of change until “recently” with Amazon. When I say recently, yet Amazon revolutionized delivery a few years ago by offering same-day delivery. It didn’t take long before other companies began to offer the same thing, and not long after that, people’s […]

Fighting Shoplifting in Your C-Store

According to the National Association for Shoplifting Prevention, more than $35 million worth of items is stolen from retailers across the U.S. every day.  This amount covers theft of all kinds of products from electronics to clothing, and even groceries.  This statistic should be scary for any owner of a business and should be enough […]

Merchant Snapshot: Nabeel Ahmed

  Our Merchant Spotlight for the month of January goes to Nabeel Ahmed! This proud goEBT merchant is the owner of S & M Grocery in Griffin, GA.