Enhancing In-Store Shopping: Exploring the Benefits of Scan and Thru Solutions

In-store shopping has undergone significant changes in recent years with the rise of e-commerce and mobile technology. However, physical retail still plays a vital role for many consumers who value the experience of seeing and touching products in person. 

To remain competitive, brick-and-mortar retailers must continue enhancing the in-store shopping experience. One effective way is by adopting a digital payment platform that supports scan and thru solutions, making checkout faster and more seamless.

What Are Scan and Thru Solutions?

Scan and thru refers to technologies that allow shoppers to scan items as they add them to their cart or bag. The items are instantly tallied, so the shopper can pay and leave the store without having to wait in a checkout line. This creates a grab-and-go shopping experience similar to how one shops online.

There are several types of scan and thru solutions available:

Mobile Scan Apps

Retailers like Sam’s Club and Walmart allow customers to scan items with their smartphones as they shop. The items are added to a virtual cart, and the shopper pays directly from their phone. Some versions still require stopping at a kiosk for employee verification.

Handheld Store Scanners

Other retailers like Amazon Go provide handheld scanners for shoppers to take with them. Customers scan and bag items while shopping, then scan their scanners at a kiosk to pay on the way out.

Smart Carts/Baskets

Smart carts have built-in scanners so customers don’t have to scan items individually. Kroger’s KroGo carts utilize sensor technology and computer vision. Customers simply place items in the cart, which automatically detects and adds them to the virtual cart.

Some smart baskets like those used at Decathlon sync with a mobile app for the same purpose.

Overhead Cameras

Amazon Go stores pioneered the use of ceiling cameras and sensors to automatically detect which items customers take off shelves. The items are added to a virtual cart and charged after the customer leaves the store.

Benefits of Scan and Thru Solutions

Scan and go technologies provide numerous benefits for both retailers and shoppers:

Faster checkout

The most obvious advantage is that customers can skip long checkout lines. For retailers, faster checkout means shorter wait times and the ability to have fewer open registers. Employees can be allocated to assist customers on the floor instead.

Lower Labor Costs

Speaking of employees, scan and thru solutions allow retailers to get by with fewer dedicated cashiers, which reduces labor costs. And employees that do work the registers can be more productive because of shorter lines.

Enhanced Customer Experience

From the shopper’s perspective, scan and pay improves convenience. Retailers also use it to enable new services that enhance the experience like:

• Real-time digital receipts

• Personalized offers and recommendations while shopping

• Easy reordering and frictionless returns

By making shopping faster and more personalized, retailers can better compete with the experience and convenience shoppers enjoy online.

Improved Data & Analytics

Scan and thru solutions allow retailers to gain valuable data about customer shopping behavior such as:

• Most scanned items

• Peak shopping hours

• Products frequently returned

With data-driven insights, retailers can tailor promotions, adjust inventory levels, and personalize recommendations to delight customers.

Higher Sales

According to reports, stores implementing scan and pay have seen increased sales. For example, Sam’s Club found that shoppers using its mobile scan and go app had a 30-40% larger basket size compared to regular shoppers. The intuitive technology likely encourages shoppers to add more items conveniently.

Modern Brand Perception

Adopting the latest technology can boost a retailer’s brand image. Customers see them as forward-thinking, tech-savvy, and convenient. This modern perception is especially important for older chains hoping to attract younger generations.

Implementing Scan and Thru Solutions in Your Store

Upgrading to scan and go is a significant investment, so retailers must carefully determine the right solution for their needs. Here are some best practices for implementation:

Choose Technology Aligned With Your Goals

If labor cost reduction is the priority, opt for overhead camera systems. Mobile apps allow superior data collection but require more customer education. Handheld scanners offer flexibility and precision. Identify what matters most for your brand.

Test With a Pilot Program First

When rolling out new technology, unforeseen issues can arise. Start with a small pilot at a few locations, not a full chain-wide launch. Testing allows time to work out any kinks and gather learnings before expanding. Consider piloting during slow hours or exclusively for loyalty members at first.

Train Employees Extensively

Staff must fully understand the technology and how to assist customers using it. Bring employees into the testing phase. Thoroughly train cashiers on processing scan and go transactions. Floor staff should help shoppers get started and troubleshoot issues.

Market the New Capability

Prominently advertise the availability of scan and pay in-store, on your website, and across channels like email, social media, and digital ads. Highlight the key benefits around convenience and speed to get customers excited about trying it. Send instructional how-to videos and guides.

Conclusion

The in-store shopping experience continues to evolve in the digital era. Scan and go solutions represent the next generation of technological innovations that can benefit both retailers and shoppers through faster, more convenient checkout experiences. 

By carefully selecting and implementing the right scan and thru technologies for their stores, merchants can reduce labor costs, gain valuable shopper insights, and boost sales. Most importantly, they can exceed customer expectations and provide personalized, frictionless shopping journeys that keep brick-and-mortar retail competitive for the future. The possibilities to enhance in-store shopping through scan and go innovations are endless.