Category Captains: POS Systems

This year’s Category Captains recipients were nominated for their strong leadership in the category. They are pioneers of innovation, retail-supporting mavericks and consumer-focused trailblazers. And they are steering their category’s growth with their bold direction and fierce dedication to the pet industry. 

Each year, these companies prioritize pets and their owners while providing extensive resources for retail collaboration. They lead with authenticity and passion that brings energy not just to their own companies, but to the entire category. 

What stood out on a larger scale was the companies’ attunement to the customer and understanding their desire for healthier, more sustainable options, trusted wellness solutions and products that celebrated the unique bond with their pets. Customers are demanding more for their pets, and manufacturers are listening with approaches that strategically adapt, expand reach and build long-term relationships. Consumer and pet insights were the key to driving product development as well as category innovation. 

Another driving force in all the companies highlighted was their dedication to the idea that pets deserve the same quality as people. They also concentrated on delivering value. In a time when costs are rising, leaders rose to the challenge by helping consumer stretch their dollars or ensuring that what they delivered met the highest standards. With a focus on reliability for retailers and consumers, the Category Captains showed pride in delivering a trusted solution that drove loyalty and tail wags. 

One noticeable connection of this year’s recipients is their extensive collaboration with their retail partners. The retail environment was regarded as a huge opportunity and one that was top of mind for many of the leaders interviewed. All of the Category Captains were dedicated to working with retailers for mutual success. Whether it’s through education, marketing, in-store demos, merchandising and more—each recipient mentioned a comprehensive suite of resources all focused on supporting retailers’ businesses and engaging shoppers. They all understood that the benefit of strong partnerships was the key to stronger growth in the category. 

POS Systems

Many of today’s leading pet retailers offer a seamless customer shopping experience—from counter to curbside to on the go and at home. To keep up with their customers, retailers need technical solutions that deliver an exceptional shopping experience. 

Franpos has been leading the way with its Point-of-Sale system (POS) that handles every aspect of pet store operations, from point of sale and eCommerce to multi-unit management, grooming, self-delivery and more. “The POS industry has evolved far beyond payment processing—it’s now the nerve center of retail operations,” explained Founder and CEO Subodh Gupta. “Today, merchants expect their POS to handle everything from inventory and payroll to eCommerce and customer engagement. The shift toward cloud-based, mobile and integrated systems has accelerated, with flexibility and real-time data driving purchasing decisions.”

He continued, “Looking ahead, growth will come from platform unification and intelligence—connecting payments, marketing and analytics in one ecosystem. The future POS will not only process transactions but power smarter business decisions, automate operations and seamlessly integrate online and in-store experiences.”

Retailers want technology that delivers simplicity, mobility and insight. In an era of AI-powered automation, retailers are also expecting less manual work. “Innovation now means creating a POS that not only processes sales but runs the entire operation intelligently, helping retailers save time, grow faster and serve customers better,” said Gupta. “Companies expect POS systems to work anywhere while connecting seamlessly with payroll, inventory and eCommerce. They’re also demanding automation over administration—tools that reduce manual work, eliminate errors and deliver real-time visibility across their business.” 

Integration is crucial for retailers because it creates a consistent and efficient customer experience across all channels, which could lead to increased customer satisfaction and sales. “Franpos gives retailers the tools to run, grow and scale from one connected platform. It eliminates the need for multiple disconnected systems. We combine POS, eCommerce, booking, payroll and inventory management—so every part of a retailer’s business works together seamlessly. Our system helps maximize sales through integrated online and in-store experiences, subscription and membership programs and real-time reporting that identifies top-performing products and opportunities,” expressed Gupta. “Beyond technology, we provide hands-on onboarding, dedicated account support and ongoing training—ensuring retailers not only adopt new tools but use them to their full potential. Our goal is simple: empower pet retailers to sell more, operate smarter and deliver exceptional customer experiences.”

In the pet retail world, Franpos is a trusted partner. They are counted on by thousands of customers and partners worldwide. They’ve been featured in Inc., Franchising Today, Silicon Valley Business Journal and Small Business Trends. Gupta confirmed, “We understand their world—we’re built for the pet industry, not adapted to it. Our leadership comes from being deeply invested in the pet industry, understanding its daily realities and building technology that empowers rather than complicates.”

Franpos is redefining what leadership in POS means with its all-in-one solution that helps pet businesses simplify their operations, lower costs and increase sales. They’re not just building software; they are building success stories for every customer and retailer they serve.