News

Shop 'n Scan expanded in Dallas/Ft. Worth, wider rollout eyed

April 11, 2004

BOISE, Idaho--In a trial that shows promise, Albertsons has significantly expanded its Shop 'n Scan service at stores in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. If all goes well, the technology could be rolled out to other markets.

Customers scan and bag their groceries as they shop, are alerted to specials in the aisle as they shop and reduce total shopping time by checking out at an Express Pay Station.

"We are focused on innovations in our format that can make our customers' lives easier and also significantly differentiate us from other food and drug retailers in the markets we serve," said Larry Johnston, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Albertsons, in a press release.

"Customers have told us they want more control of their shopping experience, and they want to eliminate lines at the checkout counter," Johnston added. "Using the latest technology, Shop 'n Scan, allows us to deliver on both counts."

Previously, Albertsons has conducted pilot tests of Shop 'n Scan but they have been limited to small groups of stores in Chicago and Dallas/Fort Worth. Now the technology has been installed in all 104 Albertson's store in the D/FW area.

Shop 'n Scan handheld units are located in a central kiosk at the entrance of each store. To obtain a unit, customers scan their Preferred Savings card, which unlocks the handheld device for use.

Albertsons developed Shop `n Scan technology through a partnership with Symbol Technologies and NCR. The handheld device runs off a Wi-fi store network developed in conjunction with Cisco Systems.