German retailer Rewe Group has announced a trial of self-scanning technology in selected stores, to bring the retailer up to date with modern technology.
Tests are taking place in Rewe stores in Wesseling and in Cologne-Rodenkirchen.
New Opportunities
The new system makes it possible for consumers to scan products while walking through the supermarket, either by using hand-held scanners or via their mobile phones.
"My scepticism was quickly gone, the majority of customers are honest and scan clean. We are winning more self-scanner customers every week", explained Thibault Freytag, manager of the Cologne-Rodenkirchen store.
He added that the new purchasing method encourages customers to buy more products than they did before.
Rewe Payback
Customers require a Rewe Payback card in order to log in and activate the scanner. Rewe said that it has plenty of staff on hand in participating stores, to answer possible questions.
"This is a positive innovation, in which the payment process goes much faster. I hope this system will be extended to other markets", said David S., a Rewe customer.
Moreover, the new system means Rewe employees have more time for service tasks, advice and assortment care, according to Lionel Souque, CEO of Rewe Group.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Jana Zimmermann. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
