Sainsbury’s is piloting larger self-checkout systems following its CEO’s focus on store efficiency.
- The new self-checkouts include conveyor belts and bagging areas, replacing traditional cashier roles.
- These tills are similar in size to manned checkouts, accommodating full trolley shopping.
- Currently trialed in two stores, these checkouts have been well-received by customers.
- Sainsbury’s is also trialling technology to assist shoppers in locating products, aiming to cut costs and improve profits.
Sainsbury’s has initiated a trial of larger self-checkout systems to advance operational efficiency. These systems feature conveyor belts and designated bagging zones, stepping in for traditional cashier roles while maintaining customer interaction through self-scanning processes. These innovative checkouts are comparable in size to manned counterparts, thus accommodating shopping with full trolleys rather than just baskets. This adjustment is geared towards enhancing customer convenience and streamlining the shopping experience.
The pilot, presently confined to two Sainsbury’s outlets, has garnered favourable responses from shoppers. CEO Simon Roberts noted its popularity but clarified that while reducing manned checkouts, the firm continues to offer a choice in payment methods, thereby providing enhanced customer service options.
Furthermore, Sainsbury’s is experimenting with touchscreen devices designed to assist shoppers in locating products within aisles. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to elevate store standards and pinpoint cost-saving measures, aligning with the company’s fiscal objectives.
Earlier in the year, CEO Roberts outlined a cost-saving objective of £1 billion within a three-year timeframe. This ambition is part of the ‘Next Level’ strategy aiming to privilege food, loyalty programmes, and convenience, thereby driving profitability. Completion of the initiative is expected to result in a total of £2.5 billion in savings over the past decade.
Sainsbury’s trials of larger self-checkout facilities mark a strategic shift towards enhanced efficiency and customer service.
