Dutch Retail Chain Albert Heijn Experiments Cashierless Stores
More technological solutions are seeing the day to help retail players skip the typical in-store checkout step. Recently, Albert Heijn introduced a concept of cashierless store which also relies on a seamless approach to payments.
This solution called “Tap to Go” was designed in partnership with CM.com –platform focusing on next-generation technologies applied to payments, authentication, voice-based services and messaging. It relies on NFC connectivity, customers’ smartphones or contactless loyalty card.
The user only has to tap their card or smartphone to the product’s tags and walk out, without having to checkout at a cash register. The content of his virtual cart is displayed in-app and the payment step is completed automatically. The customer’s specified default payment option is charged roughly ten minutes after he walks out of the store.
The Dutch retail chain intends to roll out this service in, small size convenience stores. For now, this technology has been implemented in four locations, and could be applied to their entire network of AH To Go network store (80 locations).
Comments – Seamless payment to streamline the payment step
Today’s consumers expect their purchasing experience to be hassle-free, and their transactions to be transparent. Just like Amazon, many retailers have been running tests to meet these expectations. Some relied on AI techs (Amazon and Hyundai, for instance), some decided to use data from cameras and sensors (Zippin)… The Dutch retail group only bets on NFC connectivity to digitalise their in-store processes.
In addition to dropping cash registers, this new solution would help them earn extra revenue from their customers’ potential compulsive purchasing habits: the payment step is seamless, and customers only have ten minutes to change their mind, give back the item and get their refund. The Tap to Go card also provides this retailer with data regarding customer processes and purchasing habits: i.e.: the exact purchasing time for each item and not just the checkout step.