Hy-Vee drops Scan & Go service

Hy-Vee shoppers will be checking out the old-fashioned way starting this week, following the announcement that the grocer has discontinued its Scan & Go self-service checkout technology. 

The West Des Moines, Iowa-based grocer said in a note to customers that the technology was popular with a small segment of shoppers, but it was not significant enough to continue the service.  

The move comes about six months after Rochester, New York-based Wegmans discontinued its scan-and-go app because of a high rate of theft the technology brought. Asked if theft at Hy-Vee was the culprit, Dawn Buzynski, a spokesperson for the grocer, said in an email that the low use prompted the decision. 

The technology was initially rolled out at select Hy-Vee locations in 2021 and allowed customers to scan items with a smartphone app as they did their shopping.  

The grocer released a statement this week thanking shoppers for their willingness to adopt new technologies. "We encourage you to use our self-checkout options at your local Hy-Vee store for a fast, efficient checkout experience or place an Aisles Online order at your local Hy-Vee for pickup or delivery at your convenience,” the statement said.  

The tech shift comes at a time of big changes for Hy-Vee. The company, which operates 285 stores throughout the Midwest, announced a dual-CEO structure in late 2022, but in January reversed its decision, making Jeremy Gosch sole CEO and naming Aaron Wiese president of the company. That came after longtime CEO Randy Edeker stepped down from the chief executive post last summer. He now serves as executive chairman.

Hy-Vee also made headlines recently with the announcement that it is discontinuing its 10% employee discount because of an increase in fraudulent use of the benefit. The grocer said it would revamp the discount program for employees.