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Help Yourself

I f you want something done right, do it yourself. That might be the mantra of grocery stores in the future-at least locations who use NCR Corporation's self-checkout systems. The company has shipped more than 1,000 of the technology solutions that allow shoppers to scan, bag and pay for their own items. Stores implementing the NCR Self-Checkout units include Albertson's, Wakefern and Kmart.

Not only are retailers enjoying the benefits, customers seem to like it as well. NCR reports that customer usage has been reported as high as 37 percent of in-store transactions. According to Mike Webster, general manager for NCR Self-Checkout, consumers are attracting to the simple to use features and the flexibility the system offers. "We are seeing customers move beyond the pilot stage and convert to rollouts based on the superior flexibility and ease of use of the NCR Self- Checkout solution," said Webster.

Technologically savvy retailers may see shopper loyalty as an additional benefit. An NCR-sponsored study conducted late last year revealed that 33 percent of respondents indicated they would be more likely to frequent a store that offered self-checkout terminals, and one in four customers already use it regularly.

"Retailers are investing aggressively in NCR technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs in this challenging economic environment," said Mike Webster, general manager for NCR Self-Checkout. "What was a novelty a year ago is quickly becoming a key component of store design."

NCR's Retail Solutions Division is a global provider of store automation solutions, including POS solutions, self-checkout, Web kiosks, bar code scanners and electronic shelf labels. NCR offers store automation solutions, as well as consulting and customer support services, serving businesses in the food and drug, general merchandise and hospitality market segments. For more information visit www.ncr.com.