Co-op will roll out “flexi checkouts” that can be operated by cashiers or customers at 150 stores. The dual screens will switch between self-service and cashier mode, the supermarket said, ensuring that till points are “open all hours”.
It aims to roll out the technology across 150 of its stores by April, following trials that showed they can reduce wait times and queues. It said the technology also enables colleagues to assist more customers and help with enquiries. The digital screens will show customers their price savings, deals and promotions, and support parcel collection services.
David Tyas, Co-op’s head of operations support centre and innovation, said: “We’re focused on creating stores which contribute to local life and conveniently meet the needs of communities.
“We know that many customers enjoy engaging with our friendly colleagues in store, while for others a quick transaction is key, and so our latest checkout technology replaces our existing tills with the added flexibility to do both – supporting our commitment to our physical store estate in high streets and communities…”
The new checkouts, which the supermarket claimed were a “national grocery retailer first”, are supplied by Diebold Nixdorf. The software is being built in-house by Co-op’s technology teams.
It is a time of investment for the Co-op, having confirmed last month that 18 stores would open in the first quarter of 2026. This figure includes new stores and branches reopened following investment.
Sainsbury’s has also just announced a major change to its stores. The supermarket said it will roll out facial recognition cameras after a trial coincided with a “seismic” drop in crime.
Trials in two stores saw a 46% reduction in theft, harm, aggression and antisocial behaviour, while 92% of identified offenders did not return, meaning “fewer frightening moments for colleagues” and customers.
The technology uses artificial intelligence to match faces with a watchlist of prolific and repeat offenders shared by local stores.