Stop & Shop to Grow Scan It! in 2012

JULIE GALLAGHER

QUINCY, Mass. — Stop & Shop, which extended its Scan It! mobile app that lets shoppers scan groceries while they shop, to users of many Android devices and additional stores last week, will further grow its reach in 2012, a spokeswoman said.

The Scan It! mobile app, which also lets shoppers tally and bag groceries in the aisles, was initially introduced in June for use with the iPhone in three stores. It's now compatible with 21 locations and will roll out to another 23 in the coming weeks.

Though an exact number hasn't been finalized, the plan is to bring more locations onboard next year.

“There will be additional stores added in 2012,” spokeswoman Judi Palmer told SN.

The app that works with a consumer's personal device provides the same functionality as Scan It! handheld devices provided by Stop & Shop in 350 of its 745 stores. Scan It! offers personalized offers to shoppers based on their purchase history and location in the store.

Users who've tried the app in one of three test stores have shared “very positive” feedback. But since not all shoppers possess a compatible smartphone, Stop & Shop's proprietary Scan It! devices will remain in stores, according to Palmer.

“There are no plans to replace them since not everyone has an iPhone or Android phone,” she said.