Self-Checkout Coming to More Quick Chek Stores

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. – Quick Chek, which was the first to pioneer self-serve checkout lanes in the convenience channel, will add NCR Corp.'s SelfServ units to 10 more stores this year, according to Maria Fidelibus, vice president of information technology for the chain.

"We remain committed to implementation [of self-checkout]," Fidelibus said during the 2011 Convenience Store News/NACS CIO Roundtable, held during this year's NACStech.

It was at last year's NACStech that Quick Chek was honored with the CSNews Outstanding Technology Implementation award for its "Fast Lane" self-checkout initiative. The annual award is given to a convenience store chain that completed an innovative and challenging implementation that produced verifiable results and achieved specified business goals.

Since piloting Fast Lane in August 2009, the Quick Chek stores have been able to handle more customers during peak periods, while reducing checkout lines and parking lot congestion.

Self-checkout also has increased the number of transactions completed hourly; been utilized by up to 70 percent of shoppers at participating stores; allowed store employees to complete tasks in the store rather than having to stop and assist during the checkout process; and stores no longer have to aggressively staff during peak rush times. Additionally, the self-checkout system has had no negative effect on in-store shrink levels, according to the company.

At this year's CIO Roundtable, Fidelibus said labor savings continue to increase in those stores with the self-checkout option, and she expects an 18-month return on investment.

Stores with the NCR SelfServ units have an attendant station, and offer a number of traditional checkout lanes as well for any consumers who do not wish to use self-checkout.