SELF-CHECKOUT TEST PLANNED AT BROOKSHIRE GROCERY UNITS

DEENA AMATO-McCOY

TYLER, Texas -- Brookshire Grocery Co. here is joining the growing number of retailers testing self-checkout technology, with its launch of stationary units in two locations this month.

Two units will be installed in the retailer's Super 1 Foods store in Plano, Texas, and two more will be available at its Brookshire's Food Store, Allen, Texas. Gary Butler, vice president of information technology for Brookshire, confirmed the project will launch by the end of this month, but declined to give specifics on the program.

"We will be offering shoppers greater convenience with the option to scan, bag and pay for their own groceries at our new self-checkout express lanes," Butler said in a statement. "We believe customers will appreciate being able to choose either the convenience of self-checkout or the full service of traditional checkout."

Typically one stationary unit replaces one traditional checkout lane, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The self-checkout units, provided by NCR, Dayton, Ohio, are equipped with a multimedia touch screen, an automated teller machine, a scale, scanner and security cameras. Customers begin the self-checkout experience by either pressing a "start" icon on the touch screen, or by simply starting to move items over the scanner.

The interactive screen prompts customers throughout the checkout process, including scanning items, weighing produce as well as voiding errors and unwanted items. The units also allow customers to pay for and bag their own groceries. The units accept cash, credit and debit cards as well as coupons.

In addition to providing a checkout alternative for customers, Brookshire, like other retailers, will be able to enhance customer service in the store by reallocating associates who would be working at traditional checkout lanes.

"If there are spikes at certain times during the day, retailers will be able to better take care of customers throughout the store," said another source familiar with the situation.

Other retailers exploring the use of stationary self-checkout technology include Kroger Co., Cincinnati, which has units installed in its Louisville division and its Central KMA, Indianapolis; Kroger's Dillon Co.'s King Soopers, Denver; A&P, Montvale, N.J.; Price Costco, a division of warehouse club retailer Costco Wholesale, Issaquah, Wash.; Winn-Dixie Stores, Jacksonville, Fla.; and Balls Food Stores, Kansas City, Kan.

Handheld, portable self-scanning units are also being used in several chains. Among the retailers using this technology are Kroger's Nashville KMA; Hannaford Bros., Scarborough, Maine; Marsh Supermarkets, Indianapolis; Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Bentonville, Ark.; and the Calgary Cooperative Association, Calgary, Alberta.