East of England Co-op has launched its first cashless store, on the concourse of Ipswich Station.
The 1,500 sq ft store is situated adjacent to one of the platforms at the station, and features a bank of five self checkouts without any manned tills.
The “complete elimination of cash transactions” offers customers “faster, more secure payments while simultaneously reducing cash handling costs” for the retailer, the cooperative said. The self-checkout terminals also offer full refund functionality.
The retailer launched “fully autonomous checkout and payment experience with longstanding partner Trust Retail.
“By implementing Trust Retail’s self-checkout technology, and embracing a completely cashless model, we have set a new standard in customer service and operational efficiency,” said Rob Smith, technology officer at the East of England Co-op.
The cashless approach is “creating a more efficient and enjoyable shopping experience for their customers,” said Mike Dotson, managing director of Trust Retail. “This cashless store represents the future of retail. Our technology is designed to create significant in-store efficiencies while enhancing customer journeys through faster transactions and intuitive interfaces, ultimately delivering the frictionless retail experience that today’s shoppers demand.”
The store also offers fresh bakery goods, a barista bar coffee bay, Fwip ice cream, Frozen Coca-Cola and Fanta and is “packed with quick, quality options for people on the move” added Dotson.
According to the Office of Rail Regulation’s latest estimates, Ipswich Station had footfall of more than three million passengers last year, including 666,132 using the station to change trains.
The cashless, fully self-service approach will help the retailer cope with the spiky demand expected from users of the station, Trust Retail said.
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