Retailers go big on mobile self-scanning and checkout-free tech

Customers can use mobile self-scanning at 32,000 stores across the world, according to a new study by RBR.

Hundreds of retailers now offer the technology.

In addition, many are partnering with a range of checkout-free technology vendors, installing cameras and sensors around the store to record items selected by customers.

Although Amazon is the most prominent proponent of this type of store and continues to roll-out its Go convenience and Fresh grocery formats in the USA and the latter only in the UK, similar concepts are popping up in countries as diverse as Poland and Singapore.

New study by RBR finds mobile self-scanning enters the mainstream and checkout-free technology takes off, as retailers seek to widen self-service shopping options, reduce friction and enable a more convenient shopping experience. https://t.co/lyTO4EWPA4 #retailtech #selfservice pic.twitter.com/2TSv3y3rMP
— RBR (@RBRLondon) June 22, 2021

Mobile self-scanning using retailer provided devices is mainly present in Europe, with major grocery firms including Ahold Delhaize, Carrefour and Tesco continuing to roll-it out to new stores.

However, the RBR study shows the adoption of self-scanning applications for consumers to download onto their phones is increasing rapidly around the world, encouraged by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This service is now available at more than 80% of outlets with mobile self-scanning, with retailers able to roll it out quickly across their store networks.

The world’s largest retailer, Walmart, initially trialled scan and go back in 2013, but it has since been relaunched more widely and by 2020 was offered at all US stores.

Although mobile self-scanning is less prevalent in emerging markets in Latin America and Asia, where there are lower labour costs and concerns around shrinkage, the research found the technology is being piloted at retailers in a wide range of countries, including Brazil, India and Taiwan.

Furthermore, solutions are increasingly available in other areas of retail in addition to big box grocery, including convenience chains, DIY firms, fashion retailers and toy stores.

RBR’s Alan Burt comments: “As retailers seek to widen self-service shopping options in a highly competitive landscape, both mobile self-scanning and checkout-free technologies are set to become more common, reducing friction and enabling a more convenient shopping experience to consumers.”