ShopRite Unveils Mobile Scan Shopping

This week ShopRite of Canton debuted a mobile app that allows customers to scan and bag their groceries while shopping and then proceed to a final check out via a self-serve station.

Chuck Joseph III, director of human resources and administration for Joseph Family Markets, said the initiative allows the store to serve those customers who enjoy using their phones to research brands, make lists and more. 

“A lot of our customers are migrating toward mobile devices,” he said. “Part of our purpose is to provide different options and enhancements.”

The app allows customers with an iOS or Android operating system equipped mobile device to scan and keep a running tab on their bill. It also has other features. For example, it can alert shoppers to sales on items they commonly purchase — or similar products — as they go through the aisles. Customers can also track their grocery lists as they shop. 

Those who want to use the app must enroll at the customer service desk, which they can do any time. This week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. each day the store will offer some special help to interested customers. 

A hologram hostess, Kate, is also set up at the store to assist.

Customers who use the service will go through an audit during their first visit and are subject to random audits at other times. For those, store personnel will randomly check a few items to make sure they were scanned. If there are discrepancies, customers could be brought to another line to be checked out again. 

Joseph said the store is thrilled to be part of a small group piloting the program. He said it offers a way to provide a great level of customer service to those customers who prefer it. The technology does not detract from traditional shopping, he said. 

In addition it does not save the store any money. ShopRite had to add personal to implement and monitor the technology, he said. 

See more details in the embedded video.