News

U.K. retailer adds units, tests virtual self-checkout

June 8, 2003

LONDON -- NCR Corp. announced that Marks & Spencer, a leading U.K. retailer, will install NCR FastLane self-checkout in eight additional stores, following a successful three-store pilot.

Marks & Spencer also is launching a test of a new "virtual self-checkout assistant" who greets shoppers with a smile and a wink and answers common questions that may encourage them to use self-checkout, according to a news release.

Displayed on an NCR EasyPoint kiosk, the virtual self-checkout assistant is a photo-realistic, 3-dimensional image modeled on an employee of the Marks & Spencer Gateshead store, where the test is taking place.

NCR partnered with U.S.-based Haptek Inc. to develop the virtual assistant, which is triggered by the kiosk's motion detector as shoppers approach the self-checkout lanes, the release said.

"Marks & Spencer's three-store trial of NCR FastLane has proved such a huge hit that we want our customers in more stores to have the choice of using self-checkout over traditional manned checkouts," said Ralph Marshall, head of Store Systems at Marks & Spencer.

"By creating awareness through a virtual self-checkout assistant, Marks & Spencer is looking to encourage even more customers to use NCR FastLane."