A MAJOR convenience store chain has unveiled a huge change to its branches which could help you save money.
The major overhaul will allow you to save cash at the store simply by tapping your phone.
The Co-Op has unveiled a new way of shopping[/caption]
Now, customers can sign up to the membership scheme by scanning labels in-store[/caption]
The Co-Op has updated its electronic shelf labels (ESLs) as part of a huge new scheme.
As part of the “Easy to Join” promotion, shoppers can be added to the chain’s membership programme just by scanning the ESLs.
Using near field communication technology, the ESLs direct users to the membership webpage whenever they scan a label.
The move is part of the chain’s plan to reduce the number of paper price tags in its 2600 stores.
At the moment, ESLs are in use in 700 of its stores but the Co-Op hopes to have them rolled out to more than 1600 branches by the end of the year.
David Tyas, the Co-Op’s innovation lead, said that the overhaul will improve “transparency” and cut down needless “waste”.
He said: “Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate – with ease, convenience and the customer experience at the heart of everything we do.
“The electronic labels not only have the potential to enhance product information and transparency, avoid paper waste, and improve ways of working, they can also enhance the shopping experience and make it easier for customers to become a Co-op member and start to benefit from member price savings, promotions and deals, and save on a wide range of everyday essentials.”
The move comes after the Co-Op launched a brand new type of store, as part of its bid to rival Greggs and Pret.
The chain has launched 15 “On The Go” micro stores which serve hot pizza, fried chicken and ready meals.
Everyday essentials, such as toothpaste and shampoo, will also be sold in the stores.
Open from 7am until 7pm, some of the shops will also double as home delivery hubs allowing you to pick up parcels in-store.
The head of the brand’s supermarket chain, Mark Hood, has confirmed that the stores will function differently to a regular Co-op branch.
He said: “This isn’t a really small version of a Co-op, it’s very different in layout and what we are servicing the customer with.”
Mark added that he hopes the move allows the company to expand its 15 per cent share on the UK’s food-to-go market, as rival brands such as Pret a Manger and Greggs increase their own holds on the market.
The company made headlines this year when it became the victim of a massive cyber-attack.
It was reported that personal details such as names, contact information and dates of birth of a “significant number” of its 6.2 million customers and past members have been compromised.
Mark said that the brand has now “fully recovered” from the attack.
He added: “It has not been something I would wish on anybody.
“It’s been a massive learning curve and we will come back out stronger and better than before.”
The Co-op’s new membership scheme
The Co-op has unveiled a new way for members to sign up.
Now, shoppers can join the chain’s rewards programme just by scanning electronic shelf labels (ESLs).
These ESLs will replace the paper labels underneath products.
The scheme has already been rolled out at 700 stores, but the company hopes to have the promotion in place in 1600 shops by the end of the year.