As mobile registers become more and more the norm it comes as no surprise that  innovative means of payment will start popping up in retail stores.

Take the Square Stand for example, stylish and clutter-free new hardware for businesses that acts as an alternative to traditional cash registers. The countertop stand turns an iPad into a complete point-of-sale terminal and has a built-in credit card swipe machine.

It aims to give merchants a new way to manage and grow their business, for the same price as a cash register. It gives them access to real-time analytics, robust reporting, and a pleasant experience for customers.

It easily connects to a receipt printer, cash drawer and barcode scanner. The iPad can be locked in place and the stand secured to a countertop, making it easy to tilt and rotate in order to complete orders quickly. The Square Stand works with an iPad 2 or 3, and a version for iPads with Lightning connectors will be available later this year.

The Square Stand costs $299 and is available to pre-order online.

Via PFSK