News

Grocer credits kiosks for sales increase

April 8, 2002

BELLEVUE, Wash. - In-store kiosks have boosted sales to kiosk users by eight percent at a Virginia chain of grocery stores, according to Meals.com Inc., which conducted a study comparing purchasing by users of the store's kiosks and a control group.

The Ukrop's Shopper kiosks are linked to the store's frequent shopper card program and point of sale data. Customers swipe a frequent shopper card as they enter the store, and the kiosk provides information tailored to the household. The kiosk is Internet-enabled, and also provides information on in-store promotions and specials, even making meal suggestions.

Ukrop's, based in Richmond, Va., is the first chain to adopt the system. Store officials said they were pleased with the results, and said that kiosk users spend more time in the store.

Meals.com is a subsidiary of Coinstar Inc., which has relationships with more than 8,500 supermarkets in the U.S.