Sainsbury's kicks off virtual queuing app pilot

Sainsbury’s is testing out a virtual queuing system in five of its stores: Uxbridge, Pimlico, Dome Roundabout in Watford, Leicester North and Newham Royal Wharf.

This will run via the ufirst app. The pilot will wrap up in mid-August and test how customers respond as well as whether it helps employees to manage queues and the flow of customers in and out of stores.

It will also help Sainsbury’s should such a proposition need to be implemented at short notice in the event of a local lockdown, or scaled up if government guidance changes.

Asda is testing similar technology with Qudini in its Middleton, Leeds store.

Nigel Blunt, Director of E-commerce at Sainsbury’s, says: “We’re always on the lookout for how we can make our customers’ lives easier using technology.”

“The virtual queuing system enables shoppers to hold their place in the queue using their smartphone and we will be listening closely to feedback from our customers and colleagues.”

Blunt adds that Sainsbury’s is rolling out its SmartShop offering to even more convenience stores, “offering customers fast and contactless shopping that will help them get in and out of the store even quicker."

SmartShop is now live in over 75 Sainsbury’s Locals. Some 40 more stores will follow this week.