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Print Smarter, Not Harder: The Future of Printing and Labeling

Restaurant

Retailers

It’s Time for a Refresh Retailing is changing rapidly—and so are the demands on labeling and printing. To keep up, retailers and QSRs need smart solutions that work as quickly and efficiently as they do. Yesterday’s printers can’t meet today’s demands.

Almost 50% of restaurant operators are open to considering other options. 47% of respondents cite design flexibility as a reason they would swap.

What would make you seriously consider switching? “More flexibility in label design would definitely make us rethink ourcurrent setup.”

Analyzing Current Usage and Decision Responsibility Labeling printers are essential tools in the restaurant industry, but primary uses cases differ for each retailer - making it essential to choose printers and labelers that provide solutions for multiple applications.

90% of restaurants say BOPIS and curbside pickup “best” describes their usage, followed by ordering pickup and in-store fulfillment (87%), and a tie between inventory management and shelf edge labeling (83%).

Who Makes Decisions and What are Driving Factors?

Restaurants tend to centralize or collaborate across departments when deciding to implement new systems.

43% emphasize scalability across locations and store formats

37% highlight the need to comply with food safety regulations.

Decision makers in both the food and consumer goods sectors consistently rank print quality and speed as the top printing attributes.

Tackling Retail Pain Points with Smarter Technology The lack of integration with existing systems stands out as the leading software challenge—and the key factor driving openness to change. Each retail segment has its own friction points and distinct priorities.

Restaurant respondents rank label waste as their most painful challenge. 60% pinpoint label waste or overprinting as a challenge encountered in stores.

What Restaurant Operators Want

The focus is on mobile integration and reliable connectivity—but the priorities differ by industry.

Looking Ahead: Demands on printing and labeling will continue to evolve with the growth of online ordering, e-commerce, curbside pickup, flexible pricing and delivery.

Yet labels are crucial to communicate food safety such as ingredients or freshness while also adhering to regulatory requirement. That's driving the adoption of innovative labeling solutions like linerless labels which reduce waste.

Space challenge: 53% report printers take up too much space, calling for compact, durable solutions where space is tight and uptime is critical.

Reliability and print quality are the key drivers of satisfaction, including long battery life and access to a one-stop solution for any issues.

Flexibility is non-negotiable. Over 90% of users value printers that are compact, easy to move and seamlessly connect wirelessly—especially for use across retail floors and service areas.

Extended battery life, compact design and cross-location consistency head the checklist for foodservice operators. Compliance and food prep labeling to maintain standards and improve sustainability are goals.

The Smart Choice for Efficiency, Reliability and Results

Tailored for Every Channel: Seamless integration and in-aisle mobility for restaurants; compact, durable, and reliable printers to boost food service efficiency.

Clear Differentiator: Restaurants facing software compatibility challenges can count on Brother’s hands-on customer service to make sure systems integrate properly.

Dependable: Brother products are associated with trust, endurance, speed, efficiency and service support.

Now’s the Time to Partner with Brother— because Smarter Printing Starts Here

Source: Brother International Corporation - Printing and Labeling Study 2025 The insights presented on this page are based on an industry survey conducted by Chain Store Age in partnership with Brother International Corporation. The information is provided for general marketing and informational purposes only and may not reflect all market conditions. Brother makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the survey results for your specific business needs. Any decisions based on this information are at your own discretion.

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Restaurant

Retailers

Choose your path:

Beyond the Status Quo Survey results show that easier system integration would persuade retailers to consider switch print providers - but key motivators vary.

67% of retailers are aligned with exploring alternatives for printing needs. 31% would switch for a system with proven reliability.

What would make you seriously consider switching? “A printer that has better connection and stays connected to the system.” “Stop a lot of downtime so we can maximize production.” “I believe we could have something better that works with our POS as well. Not sure the one we currently use is professional enough for commercial use.”

Analyzing Current Usage and Decision Responsibility Labeling printers are essential tools in the retail industry, but primary uses cases differ for each retailer - making it essential to choose printers and labelers that provide solutions for multiple applications.

78% of retailers cite inventory as their highest printing use, followed closely by shelf-edge labeling (73%) and price changes or markdowns (69%).

Who Makes Decisions and What are Driving Factors?

The retail channel relies on corporate headquarters. 38% of survey respondents say their biggest printing value driver is ease of deployment and integration across operations.

Decision makers in both the food and consumer goods sectors consistently rank print quality and speed as the top printing attributes.

Every second counts in the retail environment, from warehouses to registers. 50% of respondents cited connection reliability as a major pain point.

Retailers also struggle with label waste, with 49% of respondents indicate this as an area for improvement.

What Retailers Want

Reliability and print quality are the key drivers of satisfaction, including long battery life and access to a one-stop solution for any issues.

Flexibility is non-negotiable. Over 90% of users value printers that are compact, easy to move and seamlessly connect wirelessly—especially for use across retail floors and service areas.

The focus is on mobile integration and reliable connectivity—but the priorities differ by industry.

POS/inventory integration and in-aisle/on-floor printing will grow in importance in retail operations. Price change automation and back-office labeling are advantages retailers seek.

Tailored for Every Channel: Seamless integration and in-aisle mobility for retail; compact, durable, and reliable printers to boost retail efficiency.

Clear Differentiator: Retailers facing software compatibility challenges can count on Brother’s hands-on customer service to make sure systems integrate properly.