Break – POS Refresh

Charity retailer completes estate wide POS refresh ahead of Windows end-of-life, unlocking faster transactions and generating thousands in additional donations

When charity retailer Break identified that support for its existing Windows based point-of-sale estate would come to an end in October 2026, the organisation took the opportunity to modernise its retail technology infrastructure and future proof its stores.

Working closely with retail charity software specialist Eproductive and hardware partner BOXTEC, Break successfully refreshed the POS systems across its network of 45 stores spanning East Anglia, Cambridgeshire and the West Country. The project was completed by March 2026, providing the charity ample time to transition before the Windows end of life deadline.

The Challenge

For Break, the primary driver behind the project was ensuring continuity and reliability across its retail operation.

With 45 shops supported by more than 700 staff and volunteers, the charity needed a solution that could be deployed efficiently, deliver a better user experience, and support future fundraising initiatives.

The organisation also wanted to take advantage of new technology capabilities that could enhance customer engagement at the point of sale.

The Solution

Break selected the BOXTEC Core 3 POS terminal, with an Epson printer supplied and integrated with Eproductive’s charity retail software platform.

A key factor in the decision was the Core 3’s customer facing display, which offered a new channel for engaging shoppers and promoting fundraising campaigns directly at the checkout.

The rollout was carefully planned using a phased deployment approach over three months. Rather than attempting a large scale implementation in a short timeframe, Break rolled out the solution region by region, completing approximately four installations per week.

To minimise trading disruption, installations were deliberately scheduled earlier in the week, allowing time to address any issues before the weekend trading period.

Thanks to the simplicity of the hardware installation process, Break’s own area managers were able to install the systems themselves, while software upgrades were completed remotely via the internet in less than 30 minutes per store.

Driving Additional Donations

One of the most significant benefits of the new solution has been the impact of the customer facing display.

Break has used the screen to promote donation campaigns directly to shoppers during the checkout journey. These campaigns have not only raised awareness of the charity’s work but have also encouraged customers to make additional contributions.

The first campaign invited shoppers to add a small donation to their purchase. A second six week campaign focused specifically on raising funds to install a heat pump at a children’s home.

The results exceeded expectations, generating an additional £8,000 in donations, with approximately 10% of customers choosing to contribute.

Without the customer-facing screen paired with Eproductive’s software and gift aid applications, these donations simply would not have been captured.

Faster Transactions, Better User Experience

Feedback from store teams has been overwhelmingly positive.

Staff and volunteers have found the new systems intuitive and easy to use, while the improved performance of the Core 3 POS terminals has significantly reduced transaction times.

The faster hardware and streamlined software experience have helped improve efficiency at the till while creating a smoother experience for both colleagues and customers.

A Strong Partnership

Throughout the project, Break worked closely with Eproductive, a longstanding technology partner that supports the charity’s retail operations.

The collaborative approach between Break, Eproductive and BOXTEC ensured a smooth deployment and a successful outcome across the entire store estate.