Co-op shoppers could soon get app to pay by phone

SHOPPERS in Ashbourne’s Co-op stores could soon be paying for their items on their smartphones, while wandering around the store - if trials of a new app are successful.

Central England Co-op has developed a new service that will allow customers to scan and go, as part of on-going efforts to make the shopping experience easier, quicker and safer for people.

The new smartphone app is currently being trialled in the West Midlands, in a store in Halesowen, and customers are being invited to download the application on their phone as they enter, scan items as they pop them in their basket and pay digitally without needing to queue or stop at a checkout.

The trial will run until early 2021 and, if successful, could see the app rolled out across more of the retailer’s 262 food sites across 16 counties.

Jessica Head, store manager at the Spies Lane store, said: “We want to strengthen communities through quality convenience. That isn’t just about shopping at a convenience store, it is about making the customer interaction easier and more relevant for them.

“Recent times have really showed us all the benefits of being able to shop local with a trusted, community focused retailer and this trial is another great extension of that way of thinking and how we, as a Society, are always trying to come up with more ways to improve the shopping experience for our customers and members.

“We are all really excited about the launch of the scan and go trial and look forward to showing customers how it works. We are delighted to be able to help make shopping as easy and convenient as possible for customers.”