Some shoppers will love this, others won’t.
But myself, I think it’s amazing!
Last Thursday, Loblaws began testing of it’s new “shop and scan” technology in 5 stores in the Greater Toronto Area, with plans to begin testing in at least 3 RCSS stores in the coming weeks.
The new PC Express app will allow customers to scan bar codes of items as you place them in your cart. The app will calculate an on-going total for your purchase as you add & remove items. You can even scan produce items using digital scales provided in stores.
When you’re ready to checkout, the app will create a unique bar code for your purchase total that you can either present at a traditional cashier, self-checkout lane or at one of the new kiosks specially designed for the app.
According to CTV News, ” The new app will be tested out in Loblaw locations at Queen Street and Portland Street, Leslie Street and Lakeshore Boulevard, Forest Hill, Maple Leaf Gardens, and Glen Erin in the GTA. Upcoming pilot store locations in Ontario be in Milton, Oakville, and on Argentia Road in Mississauga.”
It’s also said, the long term goal of the project is to create an in-app purchase system that allows shoppers to skip the checkout process all together.
This new app will make is much easier for shoppers to stay on budget and will be a huge time saver at the checkout – especially for quick trips in for just a couple of items!
There is no mention of how coupons & price matching will work with the app.
At this point, Loblaw is stating they do not expect the new app to result in any changes to the number of employees.
So for me, it’s a win-win and I can’t wait to test it out! What are your thoughts on this new technology?
