Convenience retailer Scotmid Co-op announces investment in 4POS assisted checkout solution

Scotmid Co-op is rolling out assisted/hybrid checkout solutions as the convenience retailer looks to improve loss prevention and reduce theft (walk-offs).

The £3.5 million investment in its store tech and checkout solutions from 4POS has also reduced checkout friction for customers, with dual screens allowing colleagues to step in and offer assistance to reduce shopper wait times, minimise queues and support sales. 

The roll-out is now live in 90% of its Food stores (~160 stores) as well as locations across its discount health and beauty brand, Semichem (~63 stores). 

“We were particularly impressed by the modular approach,” says Allan Robertson, Procurement & Sustainability Manager at Scotmid Co-op. “The fact that the same core hardware could be used across traditional tills and self-checkout solutions created real flexibility, allowing us to model different store configurations and future-proof the estate. The relationship developed quickly, and from the outset it felt like a partnership and a joined up team.”

The SCOs have also been set up to support loss prevention, with customer video captured on-screen. The solution also features a purple light that indicates when a payment is in progress, allowing colleagues to offer support or mitigate potential walk-offs. Screens on the SCOs have also laid the foundation for incremental revenue opportunities across advertising and retail media while enhancing supplier engagement at the Point of Sale.

“Even at the proof of concept stage, our customers were confidently using the solution,” Robertson adds. “We set a clear utilisation target of 30% across all transactions on assisted checkouts. We have achieved our target and are focused on growing from that position. We have the ability in the future to convert traditional tills into assisted checkouts if adoption continues to grow, and that flexibility is critical in convenience retail, where store formats will continue to evolve.”

“Flexibility was central to Scotmid’s strategy for readying its estate for the future. Its PoS now gives it the agility to adapt store formats to meet current needs, while still allowing it to pivot towards new demands - quickly, easily and cost-effectively - as they evolve,” says Craig Bevan, UK&I Country Manager at 4POS.

“PoS architecture now influences far more than checkout performance, acting as the lynchpin that defines the cost structure of store operations, the speed at which new technologies can be deployed and the resilience of frontline infrastructure.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Checkout technology will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.