Self-checkout is speeding from grocery retailers to fashion and lifestyle stores including Zara, H&M, Kohl's and Uniqlo are all testing out self-checkout at select stores.
Zara has introduced self-checkout systems in some of its stores to enhance the customer experience and streamline the shopping process. These self-checkout kiosks are located on the first floor of select stores, tucked away in a sleek and zen-like section. Although not immediately obvious, these kiosks offer a convenient and time-saving option for shoppers.
Zara's self checkout option complement the purchasing options in order to speed up the paying process at stores, since customers can independently complete the payment for their selected items without approaching the till point. Located next to the fitting rooms, the device scans the pieces that the customer is about to purchase.
Those pieces will be displayed on the screen while waiting for the customer to confirm, scan additional garments or correct possible mistakes and subsequently proceed with payment. Alarms are removed from the items after their payment. Garments are accurately identified with the help of the RFID technology and put into bags, as seen in the video below.
This system has been tested and implemented during 2015 at Zara stores in Marineda Shopping Centre (A Coruña, Spain) and Mercado de San Martín (San Sebastian, Spain). Since, self-checkout has continued to expand implementation several self checkouts throughout stores worldwide.
A few more videos found below show North American shoppers testing out self-checkout this year, and they seem to be pleased, calling the self-checkout process 'simple, and easy.'
(TikTok: officialrushfam)
(TikTok: @cassidywhiting)
(TikTok: @fidanaliyy )
In addition to Self-checkout, Zara's RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) allows garments to be individually identified, from logistic platforms through to their sale. This technology represents a huge step up in technology that allows the entire workflow to be redesigned in stores where it is implemented, leading in turn to an improved level of customer service.
Thanks to this system, tracking products is much quicker and more precise: when a customer looks for a specific product, the staff can check its availability in real time in that store, a nearby establishment or on zara.com, facilitating the shopping process. Even payment processes benefit from this process, since RFID technology is integrated into the tills.
Retail tech experts are also weighing in on the self-checkout and RFID technology, while doing their own on hand reviews, "Checking out the #Zara RFID #selfcheckout was the highlight of my week. Interesting that they expect shoppers to remove the security tags themselves as that caused a line up after paying Still, I love seeing the potential of lower friction checkout in #retailtech," said Karen Wong, Co-Founder & CEO of TAKU Retail.
However, there are some disadvantages to self-checkout systems, such as an increased risk of theft. This issue is more prevalent in large retail stores like Target and Walmart but could potentially affect Zara as well. Despite this drawback, the overall benefits of self-checkout systems, including convenience and efficiency, make them an attractive option for both retailers and customers.
Zara's self-checkout system provides a convenient and efficient way for customers to complete their purchases, ultimately enhancing the overall shopping experience. By embracing technology and focusing on creating better in-store experiences, Zara is setting a positive example for other retailers to follow.
