HANNAFORD STORE IS TESTING PORTABLE SELF-SCANNING UNITS

DEENA AMATO-McCOY

SCARBOROUGH, Maine -- Hannaford Bros. here has begun testing portable self-scanning units for self-service customer checkout in one store.

Hannaford is testing 64 handheld units in its store here. Upon completion of the yearlong test, Hannaford will analyze results to decide whether to expand the self-checkout devices to additional stores.

"Customers are utilizing the self-scanning units not only as a method of quicker checkout, but also as an alternative to [enhance] traditional checkout," said Duane Wakefield, director of retail automation at Hannaford.

"Being one of the few retailers using the portable self-scanning technology demonstrates its importance and our willingness to try innovative things," Wakefield added. "We have seen the units being used successfully by other retailers, and we are trying to provide more choices to our customers to receive an enjoyable shopping experience."

In addition to quicker checkout, the portable handheld self-checkout system, provided by Symbol Technologies, Holtsville, N.Y., delivers item pricing and order totals to customers during the shopping trip.

Though he declined to comment on results so far, Wakefield said, "We think our customers do perceive the self-checkout units as a good service.

" Hannaford launched its test of portable self-checkout technology in July. Customers carry the units with them as they shop. As item bar codes are scanned, the handheld unit records purchases as products are picked off store shelves. The self-scanning unit also lets shoppers add and delete items during the shopping trip.

When the portable units are returned to their dispenser rack, a receipt is issued and customers pay for orders at an express payment terminal.

The handheld self-checkout system, though being used widely by Safeway U.K., London, has gained only limited acceptance in the United States.

Sam's Wholesale Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark., began piloting the system last year in its Springdale, Ark., store, and expanded the technology by adding 64 more units in its Boardman, Ohio, store this spring. Similarly, Kroger Co., Cincinnati, piloted the portable checkout units in its Nashville KMA in February.

Besides Hannaford, at least one more chain that has not used the technology previously is scheduled to begin testing it by the end of this year, according to a source familiar with the situation, who declined to name the retailer.

The original pilot of the portable self-scanning units in the United States was conducted by Finast Friendly Markets, Maple Heights, Ohio, in October 1995. The test, which produced mixed results, was discontinued.

Other U.S. chains are testing stationary self-checkout systems. Retailers using the technology in some stores include Price Costco, a division of warehouse club retailer Costco Cos., Issaquah, Wash.; Kroger's Louisville, Ky., division; Kroger's Central KMA, Indianapolis; and Denver-based King Soopers, a division of Dillon Cos., Hutchinson, Kan., which is a subsidiary of Kroger Co.