Sainsbury’s is piloting larger self-checkout tills to improve store efficiency.
- These new systems feature conveyor belts and designated bagging areas.
- The trial aims to encourage more customers with larger baskets to use self-service.
- Touchscreen devices are also being tested to help customers locate products easily.
- This initiative is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy, aiming to save £1bn.
In an effort to enhance operational efficiency, Sainsbury’s has initiated a trial of larger self-checkout tills designed to ease the shopping experience for its customers. These innovative self-checkouts are equipped with conveyor belts and areas for bagging, mirroring the size and functionality of traditional manned checkouts. However, the technology still requires customers to scan items themselves, a change intended to streamline the checkout process for those with larger shopping baskets.
The pilot, first reported by The Grocer, is being conducted in two of Sainsbury’s supermarket locations. The larger tills are anticipated to attract customers with fuller trolleys who may find traditional self-checkouts challenging due to limited space. By integrating this new system, Sainsbury’s seeks to accommodate a wider range of shopping needs, potentially increasing the adoption of self-service options in its stores.
Moreover, Sainsbury’s is also exploring the use of touchscreen devices within their stores. These devices are intended to assist shoppers in locating products across various aisles, thereby reducing the reliance on store staff for assistance. This technology aligns with the company’s broader strategy to modernise stores and improve customer experience by leveraging technological solutions.
The trial is a component of a wider scheme aimed at refining store operations and achieving substantial cost savings. Earlier this year, Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts announced a target to cut costs by £1 billion over the next three years as part of its ‘Next Level Sainsbury’s’ strategy. Roberts underscored the importance of prioritising food, Nectar card rewards, and convenience to enhance the supermarket’s profitability. This strategy aims for a total reduction of £2.5 billion in costs over a decade.
Sainsbury’s initiatives signal a significant shift towards technological integration and efficiency improvements within its retail operations.
