Automated retail services, exemplified by scan-and-go technology implemented by major retailers, offer customers the ability to manage their own checkout process, typically via a mobile application. This empowers shoppers to scan items as they shop and bypass traditional cashier-staffed lanes for a quicker, more independent experience. For example, a customer could add items to a virtual cart throughout their shopping trip, pay digitally within the app, and then simply scan a QR code at a designated kiosk upon exiting the store.
Streamlined checkout processes contribute to enhanced customer satisfaction by reducing wait times and increasing convenience. This approach also offers potential benefits for retailers, including reduced labor costs and increased operational efficiency. The evolution of self-service options in retail reflects changing consumer preferences for faster, more personalized experiences, and builds upon earlier innovations like self-checkout kiosks. This shift towards automation is driven by technological advancements and the growing adoption of mobile devices.
