Woolies Trials Self-Serve Checkouts
The Woolworths supermarket chain has introduced a new self-service checkout which it says has been designed to combat an ongoing issue related to emerging technology.
It is trialling the use of so-called “trolley self-serve lanes” – pictured – at a newly opened store Millers Junction in Melbourne’s south-west, and in Sydney’s Gregory Hills store. Customers who use these lanes will load their groceries onto a conveyer belt before scanning them at a self-service register.
Woolies says that the self-service trial will coincide with the introduction of “Scan&Go” technology. This is claimed to allow customers to scan products with their smartphones as they shop, before making payment through an app linked to their credit card.
The company insists that “trolley self-serve” won’t see existing staff shown the door. “We’re pleased the Millers Junction store will provide ongoing employment to more than 100 team members, many of whom will work at the front-of-store to serve our customers,” a spokesman said.