Lightspeed Introduces Initiatives Supporting Local Businesses

Date:

Share post:

By Retail Insider

Small and medium-sized businesses around the world impacted by COVID-19 will receive free resources from global POS leader

Leading cloud-based commerce platform Lightspeed POS Inc. has announced the implementation of several new initiatives to aid its local retail and restaurant customers who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Effective immediately, and for the next 3 months, Lightspeed is now offering the following free services to support its customers in the now necessary adaptations: 

  • Lightspeed Delivery for restaurant customers 

  • Lightspeed eCommerce for retail customers 

  • Lightspeed Loyalty for omnichannel customers  

In addition to the above, Lightspeed has also implemented the #lightspeedlocal initiative, designed to encourage its company employees to shop locally and support small businesses in the Lightspeed network. The program reimburses employees in its 14 global offices up to $500 in local currency on purchases employees make from any Lightspeed retail or restaurant customer, whether through eCommerce shopping, meal takeout or delivery. “Our employees and customers are at the heart of everything we do, and during this time of social distancing and uncertainty, it is more important than ever that we support them in a tangible way,” said Dax Dasilva, Founder and CEO of Lightspeed. “I’m inspired by the spirit and innovation from some of our customers leveraging omni and creative home delivery options to make the best of an incredibly difficult time. Helping others do the same is at the heart of these incentives that we are putting in place.” 

PHOTO: LIGHTSPEED

To further help SMBs protect their businesses during this turbulent time, Lightspeed has launched an online COVID-19 Retail and Restaurant Resource Guide. Outlining operational tasks and tools for new revenue streams to help businesses navigate changes in consumer behaviour, the guide aims to help small and medium-sized businesses remain agile in the current socio-economic climate and provide them with resources to safeguard a prosperous future. 

Earlier in 2020 Retail Insider reported on Lightspeed’s outstanding 2019 success. Lightspeed announced in January that its Canadian retail customers sales growth of more than six times the industry average last year. The revelation comes after Lightspeed compiled data from more than 3,000 Lightspeed retail locations as part of a year-end review following tremendous growth for Lightspeed itself after a successful IPO in 2019.

Lightspeed — which now powers small and medium-sized businesses in over 100 countries — uses a smart, scalable, and dependable point of sale system that helps restaurants and retailers sell across channels, manage operations, engage with consumers, accept payments, and grow their business. Headquartered in Montréal, Lightspeed has offices in Canada, the USA, Europe, and Australia. For more information, please visit: www.lightspeedhq.com

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

More From Retail Insider

RECENT RETAIL INSIDER VIDEOS

Advertisment

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

How Consumer Preferences Are Reshaping Canadian Grocery Retail

Canadian grocery retail is evolving as consumers embrace curated assortments, ethnic supermarkets, private-label products and value-focused shopping. Industry veteran Michael Commisso shares insights into the trends reshaping the sector.

Competition Bureau Continues Multi-Year Push Against Grocery Property Controls

The Competition Bureau of Canada has expanded its investigation into Sobeys' use of property controls, continuing a multi-year effort that began with its 2023 grocery competition study and has already prompted changes across the grocery industry.

Prime Day spending set to hit $5.4B in Canada as participation jumps from 52% to 65% in a year

70% expect to spend the same amount (51%) or more (19%) than they did last year.

Fran Deck, Steward of Toronto Landmark Fran’s Restaurant, Dies at 89

Fran Deck, longtime steward of Toronto's historic Fran's Restaurant, has died at age 89. His legacy lives on through one of the city's most enduring dining institutions.

AI implementation gap puts client revenue and talent at risk, Thomson Reuters report warns

While AI tools are widely used across legal, tax, audit and risk professions, many organizations are failing to translate that usage into measurable business value, exposing them to financial and operational consequences.

SELLIT9 raises $4.1M to expand recommerce trade-in platform across North America

The funding round was led by the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Seed Venture Fund, with participation from MaRS Investment Accelerator Fund, AQC Capital and Anges Québec.

Federal government investing $173.7 million to expand women entrepreneurship supports

Addressing persistent barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and to build on existing federal programming designed to support business creation and growth.

Thirsty Buddha expands into Costco U.K., Los Angeles as global push accelerates

The move builds on Thirsty Buddha’s existing presence in Costco stores across Canada and reflects the company’s efforts to scale distribution through large-format retail channels.

Daily Synopsis: Jun 22, 2026

Manitoba eyes shrinkflation law, FIFA impacts Vancouver retail differently depending on location, Zellers nostalgia drives return, retailers open at Toronto's Pearson Airport, 7-Eleven closing at College and Spadina in Toronot, and other news.

Toys “R” Us Brand and Stores Head to Different Owners in Canada

An Ontario court has approved the breakup of Toys “R” Us Canada, with the brand, stores and Vaughan Mills lease heading to separate buyers. The future of the remaining stores after January 2027 remains uncertain.

Alimentation Couche-Tard reports revenue of $19.5 billion in Q4, up close to 20% from a year ago

For fiscal 2026, revenues increased by $3.6 billion, or 5.0%, compared with fiscal 2025.

Canada’s Food Prices Have Outpaced Inflation Every Month Under Carney

Food inflation has exceeded Canada's overall inflation rate for 15 consecutive months under Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting ongoing affordability concerns for households.

Dollarama Reaches 96% of Canadian Households: Survey

A new Field Agent Canada survey found that 96% of Canadian households shopped at Dollarama within the past 60 days, with strong appeal across income levels and growing visit frequency.

Shake Shack Canada to open first drive-thru location in Canada in Calgary

The first-ever drive-thru restaurant, expected to open this fall 2026 at 9253 Macleod Trail Southwest.

Consumer prices continue to rise: Statistics Canada

Excluding gasoline, the CPI still rose at a faster pace year over year in May (+2.2%) compared with April (+2.0%)

Leyad acquires the Bay Centre in Victoria

The Bay Centre is a trophy retail and mixed-use asset spanning an entire city block and serving as a cornerstone of the city's retail and pedestrian core.

Specsavers joins PC Optimum program

Specsavers says PC Optimum members can earn 10 points per $1 on eligible purchases nationwide, expanding its relationship with Loblaw.

Supply management costs $244 per person per year on average: MEI

By comparing the prices of dairy products, eggs, and poultry between Canada and comparable markets in the American Midwest, the authors were able to determine how much supply management adds to the cost of a typical Canadian grocery basket.

VistaPrint: 80% of small business owners are happier than being employees

VistaPrint found 80% of small business owners are happier than when they were employees, with 46% saying they’re much happier.

Retail theft in Canada is now a data integrity crisis—and retailers are missing the biggest risk

Most retailers are investing in guards, cameras and policy changes while ignoring the systems that actually track inventory and transactions in real time.