Meijer Experiments with New Checkout Technology
Shoppers at one Meijer store in Michigan are experiencing the next generation in grocery checkout. The retailer is testing out a new system at its Jenison store to help shoppers get through the checkout line faster. Part baggage carousel, part grocery scanning powerhouse, this new innovative system may just be the fastest way to get out of those checkout lines as soon as possible. Check out the video to see the system in action!
Shoppers simply place merchandise on a conveyor belt, where a scanner made up of 17 cameras scan the products and sends them on their way to one of three collection areas for bagging. Cashiers are stationed at registers nearby to help assist shoppers with any questions or issues, according to M Live.
“It basically speeds up the line,” said Frank Guglielmi, Meijer spokesman. “It’s all about choices for our customers. They can choose how they want to shop and which technology they want to use.”
Although the company doesn’t have any plans to introduce the new technology at any of its other stores at this time, Meijer is currently evaluating the data to see how feasible the system could be at other locations.
M Live reports that while most consumers are pleased with the speed of the system, there are some that find that the process slows down as the shoppers bag their groceries – especially during large orders or when there’s lots of coupons to process.
Could this be the future in grocery checkout? We know that other retailers like Kroger have been experimenting with new technology during checkout, but this is certainly an interestingly unique take!
