Woolworths Launches First Self Serve Checkouts In Tasmanian Supermarkets

Check It Out! Woolworths Launches First Self Serve Checkouts in Tasmanian Supermarkets

5 November 2009

PHOTO CALL

When: 12noon Thursday 5 November
Woolworths Sorrell
27 Coles Street
Sorrell TAS 2712

Vision: Customers using Self Serve Checkouts Vox pops with customers and staff Media trials of Self Serve Checkouts

Interviews: Peter Heywood, General Manager Supermarket Support, Woolworths

Shoppers will soon be able to checkout their own groceries as Woolworths becomes the first food retailer in Tasmania to introduce Self Serve Checkouts.

Following their introduction on the mainland last year Woolworths Sorrell will be the first store in the state to receive the new NCR FastLane Self Serve Checkouts.

The checkouts will then begin rolling out to all refurbished stores in the state to give customers a convenient alternative to express and manned checkouts. Approximately five new self serve checkouts will be installed in each Woolworths store.

Woolworths General Manager of Supermarket Support, Peter Heywood, said, "Self Serve Checkouts are a really convenient option for customers and have become the every day easy way to pay for many shoppers on the mainland. We are delighted to now introduce them to our Tasmanian customers."

The checkout gives customers complete control over their shopping experience by letting them scan, weigh and pay for their own groceries quickly and easily, using cash, credit or debit cards. It will even dispense petrol reward dockets, mobile phone top up vouchers and allow customers to take cash out. Customers can also use the popular Frequent Shopper Club card at the new checkouts and easily collect their points.

The checkouts are very user friendly, featuring clear, animated instructions and voice prompts. At least one member of staff will always be stationed close by to talk customers through the technology or to help out if assistance is required.

"In all the stores where we have installed this new technology customers have really embraced it. It is now so popular that approximately a third of transactions go through the Self Serve Checkouts where they are installed and in some stores it as high as 60 percent. Of course they will never fully replace standard or express checkouts but they are certainly a handy alternative for the busy shopper," Mr Heywood said.

Mr Heywood assured customers that the introduction of Self Serve Checkouts would have no effect on staff levels in store, "Self Serve Checkouts are great additional service for customers and take up the space of only two current manned checkouts. We need one person to man the checkouts and we always need more staff on the shop floor to help our customers."

Mr Heywood pointed out that Woolworths has actually added 5,000 more staff to its stores since the new checkouts were being rolled out in other states.

"I'd say to Woolworths customers in Tasmania give Self Serve Checkouts a go - you might be surprised at how easy they are to use."

Notes:

About the technology
Woolworths has selected NCR FastLane as its technology partner. The NCR FastLane system is world renowned, with a proven track record for reliability and ease of use.

About the rollout
The self serve checkouts were initially trialled in Carlingford, Sydney and Camberwell, Melbourne in early 2008. Self serve checkouts have now been installed at 284 out of 800 Woolworths and Safeway stores nationwide.

For further information please contact Benedict Brook on 0429 566 196 or the Woolworths Press Office on (02) 8885 1033.

SOURCE: Woolworths