Rewe Group’s discount retailer Penny is testing a hybrid self-checkout solution from Itab in a newly opened store in Offenbach an der Queich. The Vision Hybrid system, developed by Swedish shopfitting and retail technology specialist, enables the retailer to use the same space as either a manned checkout or a self-checkout area. Store employees can switch between staffed and self-service operation depending on the situation. The Penny press office told The Retail Optimiser that there are so far no plans to further roll out this technology.
The new Penny store’s checkout area consists of a Vision Hybrid system, which can operate as either two self-checkout terminals or a manned till. There are also two additional traditional staffed checkout counters from Itab. The retail company plans for around 70 to 80 per cent of its business to be conducted via self-checkout.
With the solution, Penny will be able to respond to different shopping profiles, peak times and staff shortages. When asked by The Retail Optimiser, Penny’s press spokesperson said that the system was still only being tested on a small scale: “However, from our point of view, we have not yet reached the stage where we can make any assessments or forecasts.”
Vision Hybrid at other retail companies
Since the end of September, Itab’s solution has also been in use at Edeka Prechtl, as reported by The Retail Optimiser. Prechtl Lebensmittelmärkte, which are part of the Edeka Group, were among the first retailers to implement the new Itab system. Itab informed The Retail Optimiser that further installations of the innovative system are planned at other retail companies from January onwards. According to Itab, the feedback received so far has been very positive: Edeka Prechtl recently praised the joint project and technology once again, saying that they are very satisfied with the solution.
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All photos: Itab
