Epos Now brings Countertop 2 POS terminal to US merchants

Epos Now has launched the Countertop 2 in the US for independent retail and hospitality businesses that need faster checkout hardware and more customer-facing features. The company says the terminal is 3x faster than previous solutions and is available now.

Why it matters: - Independent retailers and hospitality operators are under pressure from rising costs, staffing strain and impatient customers. - Faster checkout hardware can reduce wait times, free up staff and help businesses capture more value at the point of sale. - The Countertop 2 is aimed at merchants that want a more premium-looking terminal without giving up counter space.

What happened: - Epos Now launched the Countertop 2 in the US on Sept. 14, 2026. - The new point-of-sale terminal is designed for independent businesses in retail and hospitality. - Epos Now said the Countertop 2 is 3x faster than previous solutions. - The terminal is available in the US now. - More information is available at the company's announcement.

The details: - The Countertop 2 has a premium aluminum finish and a compact footprint. - Epos Now said the design gives counter space back and is intended to fit in a wide range of business environments. - An optional customer-facing screen can attach or detach depending on setup needs. - The customer-facing screen supports live cart view, tipping, digital receipts, loyalty offers and branded display. - The hardware is designed to help merchants grow into added features over time rather than commit upfront. - Epos Now said every transaction through the Countertop 2 adds to the data picture that can support demand forecasting, inventory management and personalized service. - Jacyn Heavens, Epos Now founder and CEO, said the terminal gives merchants three times the speed and a platform built for what is coming next. - Heavens said the company wants access to tools that were previously out of reach for single-location cafés and chains alike.

Between the lines: - The launch positions checkout hardware as part of a broader software and data strategy, not just a payment device. - The optional customer screen suggests Epos Now is pushing merchants toward more engagement at the register. - The AI framing points to a future where transaction data becomes more valuable if the underlying hardware is ready for it.

What's next: - Epos Now is betting that faster terminals and modular add-ons will appeal to merchants looking to upgrade without overcommitting. - The company will likely use the Countertop 2 as a foundation for future hardware and software features tied to analytics and personalization. - Epos Now continues its broader global expansion after launching the product in the US.