Co-op has announced that it is rolling out till-less technology into more of its convenience stores as cash-use continues to drop.
The retailer is extending its pay-in-aisle technology trial, with shoppers able to use its instore shopping App on their smartphones in over 30 Co-op food outlets across England, Scotland and Wales by late August.
While cash remains common-place in convenience stores, Co-op revealed that it has seen a more than 10% decline in the popularity of notes and coins during the last two years. The use of contactless, cards and other payment methods now accounts for more than one in two transactions.
The Co-op has extended its pay-in-aisle trial after first unveiling the in-store technology in early 2018. The technology sits alongside existing payment methods – including cashiers and self-scan tills.
The retailer’s App enables customers to scan products on their own device as they walk around the store, with the cost of the shop deducted from their Apple or Google Pay account with the touch of a button, negating the need to visit a till.
Mark Pettigrew, Director of Retail Support, Co-op food, said: “Technology is bringing unprecedented levels of change to retailing, with speed and ease key drivers for time-pressed consumers. We know that people adopt technology at different speeds, and while cash is here to stay it is clear that it is increasingly playing a lesser role in society.
“Retailers need to adapt and be agile, and this App builds added choice and convenience into the retail experience for our members and customers, while appealing to new shoppers”.
