Personalized Terminals Check Out for Allegiance

Allegiance Retail Services said Thursday that it was seeing “positive results” from a newly launched test of mobile technologies to increase customer engagement and loyalty at various touchpoints in its stores, including checkout.

Implementation of new checkout terminals (NTRs) at three of Allegiance-affiliated Foodtown stores in New York and New Jersey have been especially effective, according to independent retailers associated with the Iselin, N.J.-based marketing cooperative. Such terminals, which enable shoppers to enroll and update club cards, opt in for SMS messaging to receive notices of specials, download digital receipts, and receive relevant digital coupons based on their purchase history, are now on their way to additional Allegiance outlets.

“We are seeing a higher level of engagement with our shoppers by delivering an exceptional digital experience, especially with the digital coupons and digital receipts. The NTRs are giving us a more fully painted picture of our customers and what drives their purchases so we can plan accordingly to meet their needs,” Jack Shakoor, a Foodtown operator, said in a release.

The NTRs are one element of what Allegiance calls its “Go Digital and Save” program. Earlier this year, Allegiance said it would implement AI and machine learning-powered personalized marketing, data analytics, and digital coupon technologies through App Card, a New York-based retail software firm.

“By using AI at checkouts to gather data, which is what the NTRs do, stores will be able to provide a better shopping experience and move customer satisfaction in a positive direction, so critical in this time when consumers are faced with a multitude of purchasing choices,” Donna Zambo, VP asnd chief marketing officer of Allegiance, said.

“We live in an era of shopper-centric retail, so meeting shopper expectations for an exceptional customer experience is a must,” added Yair Goldfinger, AppCard’s Co-founder and CEO. “NTRs offer a fast, simple, engaging and fun experience for both shoppers and cashiers alike. We are excited to continuously contribute to the ARS Go Digital and Save Program.”