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Convenient Future In Store As Co-op Dials-Up Pay In Aisle Technology

Convenient Future In Store As Co-op Dials-Up Pay In Aisle Technology
Written by Amy

The old adage that the UK is a nation of shopkeepers could soon ring true as theĀ Co-opĀ today, Wednesday, 7 March, unveils a convenient future where customers can check-out their own purchases on their phone, without visiting a till.

Time-pressed shoppers will soon be able to pay in the aisle and avoid visiting a till all together as they use their own phone to purchase goods at theĀ Co-opĀ with an innovative easy to use App built with Mastercardā€™s secure digital payments expertise.
The shop, scan and go initiative is being trialled at theĀ Co-opā€™s store located at the retailerā€™s support centre in Manchester, with a wider roll-out beginning as early as this summer which is expected to include a further trial at theĀ Co-opā€™s store located in the UK HQ of Microsoft, Reading.

The technology sits alongside conventional payment methods in store ā€“ such as self-service tills and manned checkouts ā€“ in order to enhance consumer choice and service. The innovative move, which harnesses the latest technology, allows customers to scan products on their own device as they walk around the store – known as a ā€œfrictionless shopping experienceā€. When they have finished shopping, the amount they owe will then be deducted from their account with a single click.

The community retailer is seeing the number of cash transactions in its stores rapidly reduce in favour of alternative payment methods. Cash transactions have dropped by more than one fifth over the last five years, with a 15% reduction in the last 18 months alone.

Matthew Speight, Director of Retail Support at theĀ Co-op, said:Ā ā€œIt is a challenging market place for retailers, and theĀ Co-opĀ is responding positively. Our ambition is to harness technology to deliver the shopping experience that our diverse customer-base requires ā€“ when, where and how they need it.

ā€œIt is all about consumer choices and convenience. We listen to our Members and customers and we are investing in our stores, people, prices, products and technology. We recognise there are many communities where customers pop in to their localĀ Co-opand enjoy a friendly chat ā€“ it is all part of the service. Whereas for others, perhaps with a train to catch or on a school run, every second can count as consumers seek increased convenience.ā€

ā€œTechnology is bringing unprecedented change to retailing right before our eyes, however the challenge for all of us who play a part in the retail experience is meeting the needs of all consumers who are moving at different speeds in the adoption of technology,ā€Ā said Elliott Goldenberg, head of digital payments at Mastercard UK.

ā€œWith theĀ Co-opĀ we are bringing our online and mobile capability ā€“ Masterpass – into the physical store, and offering consumers who want a fast and frictionless buying experience, a secure and reliable way to pay. By scanning products usingĀ Co-opā€™s mobile app, shoppers can checkout using payment card details securely stored within Masterpass, and leave the store, with both theĀ Co-opĀ and them knowing they have paid.ā€

The technology also links information from a customerā€™sĀ Co-opMembership account ā€“ telling shoppers how much they have saved and, how much theĀ Co-opĀ will donate to local good causes following the transaction. Members receive a 5% reward when they buy own brand products and services, with theĀ Co-opĀ donating a further 1% to good causes ā€“ last year the community retailer shared Ā£20M with around 8,000 community groups.

Earlier this year theĀ Co-opĀ unveiled plans to open 100 new food stores in 2018.

It also announced a Ā£50M price investment programme to cut the cost of everyday essentials including fruit, vegetables, bread, fresh meat and ready meals, as well as household brand names.

About the author

Amy