Sainsbury's trials new SmartShop system that lets you skip checkouts entirely
Sainsbury's trials new SmartShop system that lets you skip checkouts entirely
Sainsbury's is testing a new checkout-free service that allows shoppers to skip the tills and self-checkout queues entirely through their SmartShop devices
Sainsbury's is set to revamp the shopping experience with a brand-new checkout-free initiative aiming to eliminate the need for customers to wait at tills or use self-service machines by utilising their innovative scan and shop technology.
The cutting-edge trial is poised to launch in two Sainsbury's locations, as reported by The Grocer, with one store in Richmond and another in Kempton kick-starting the pilot programme. Under the new system patrons will be able to grab a SmartShop scanner upon entering, scanning items as they progress through their shopping.
The seamless transition occurs when it's time to pay as customers can simply tap their payment card against the SmartShop scanner to pay for their bagged goods rather than queueing at a traditional checkout. For money-saving tips sign up to our Money newsletter here.
Additionally shoppers will have the choice to print a receipt or get it emailed to themselves after which they return the device to the SmartShop dock and head out of the store.
As this technology is still being refined reports indicate that the scanners currently cannot process staff discounts or accept physical Nectar cards, reports the Daily Star.
Darren Sinclair, Sainsbury's future stores director, discussed the development with The Grocer, stating: "It's a bit more ergonomic. I think about this as trying to reduce friction, improve payment, and simplify the shopping journey as well as the future potential space."
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Sainsbury's personnel may conduct spot checks on customers' baskets as part of efforts to counteract shoplifting and this SmartShop update is just a fragment of the supermarket's comprehensive checkout transformation initiated last year.
In line with other innovative modifications taking place at the retailer AI-assisted video scanning technology is being trialled. These surveillance cameras have been installed in select outlets to monitor the checkout and packing zones for theft prevention.
The specific locations where these cameras are operational haven't been disclosed nor has a decision been made about whether the system will be introduced across all Sainsbury's sites.
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Pointing directly downwards the camera has the capability to identify unscanned items being placed into bags. Should such an event occur an alert pops up on the checkout screen advising: "Looks like that last item didn't scan. Please check that you scanned it correctly before continuing."
The suite of innovations planned for the checkout overhaul is designed to "reduce friction" within the shopping environment, bolster security measures, and enhance the in-store experience for customers.
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