Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has just launched their first shop where customers pay for groceries using their smartphone, without the need to queue at the checkout.
With the use of technology on the rise, many companies are thinking of ways to use it innovatively.
From paying with coffee with your mobile phone, to voice controlled devices, we’ve seen an increase in the way society relies on the tech around them.
It might come as no surprise to you that supermarkets are starting to jump on this trend too, as a way of enhancing the consumer experience. Self-checkouts and click and collect are already very popular, with many people using both of these for convenience and quickness.
Sainsbury’s is the first to take this to the next level, by introducing a store that doesn’t have any checkouts. This flagship store can be found in Holborn Circus, Central London.
How does it work exactly? Customers scan groceries with their smartphone as they go around the store, and pay at the end of their shopping trip with their bank card on the app. The shop has been refurbished to remove all tills.
We know that sometimes tech can be frustrating, so you’ll be pleased to know that there’s staff members around to help with any concerns or questions you might have. There’s even a helpdesk for those who would prefer to pay with cash, so the option is still there.
If you do fancy giving it a go for yourself, Sainsbury's have released a two metre sausage in time for the bank holiday. Lets hope the weather stays!
It seems this decision is all about speeding up the process, and in a capital city, this is essential for busy commuters or those always on-the-go. In fact, 82 per cent of purchases in its Holborn Circus shop were cashless, so there’s clearly a demand for this sort of technology.
When asked about the decision, Chief Digital Officer Clodagh Moriarty said: ‘We know our customers value their time and many want to shop as quickly as possible - technology is key to that.'
