Square Launches Powerful Point-of-Sale Device for Canadian Restaurants and Bars

Strategic Insights -

As Canada's restaurants and bars prepare for the busy Canada Day long weekend, technology company Square is launching its most powerful, portable point-of-sale (POS) device yet, designed to help businesses make the most of the holiday and succeed. The launch comes as a new survey commissioned by Square reveals that 72% of Canadians plan to spend more time vacationing in Canada and enjoying local restaurants this year, a jump attributed to the current political climate.

Key Takeaways:

  • 72% of Canadians plan to spend more time vacationing in Canada and enjoying local restaurants this year, a jump attributed to the current political climate.
  • Square data shows a 36% nationwide sales jump for bars and restaurants using Square to run and grow their businesses over the July 1st holiday weekend in 2024, building on a 30% rise in 2023.
  • After the long weekend, sales remained elevated above the annual average for the next two months, a crucial period for operators aiming to shore up their bottom lines before Fall.
  • The new Square Handheld point-of-sale device is designed to be portable, powerful, and durable, weighing 0.34 kgs and measuring 1.2 cm thick.
  • The device offers a battery that lasts all day, Wi-Fi and offline payments capabilities, and a camera with integrated barcode scanning capabilities.
  • Square's new features and expanded partnership ecosystem, including Item Splitting, streamlined DoorDash Integration, Scan to Pay QR codes, and Multichannel menu management, are designed to help restaurants streamline and grow their businesses.

Statistics:

  • 72% of Canadians plan to spend more time vacationing in Canada and enjoying local restaurants this year.
  • 36% nationwide sales jump for bars and restaurants using Square to run and grow their businesses over the July 1st holiday weekend in 2024.
  • 30% rise in sales for bars and restaurants using Square in 2023.
  • 47% of Canadians plan to "make the most of summer in Canada" this year.
  • 25% of annual sales for many independent bars and restaurants in Canada take place between Canada Day and Labour Day.

Sources:

  • Square news release
  • Survey commissioned by Square