Lunds Grocery Stores (Minneapolis) has announced it will introduce a “Store of the Future” in Plymouth, Minn., complete with self-checkout technology, web kiosks and advanced point-of-sale systems from NCR Corp.
According to the company's announcement, shoppers who wish to pick up a few items and get in and out quickly will have the option to bypass the assisted service line and scan their own items. Shoppers can also search a web kiosk for recipes or order deli items without having to wait for their number to be called. For those shoppers who still prefer the traditional cashier-assisted checkout lane, Lunds has incorporated the Advanced Checkout Solution (ACS) and high-speed scanners from NCR, which will hasten transactiontime and provide a scrolling, itemized receipt for customers to view as the items are scanned.
“Because technology is the key to customer service, not an impediment,” said president and ceo Tres Lund, “advances in technology put the customer in control, and empowerment is the ultimate form of service.” Lunds is well-known for its modern, high-design stores and customer service. Existing customer services already include an on-site retail executive chef to help with recipe development and food demonstrations,carry-out service and a soup and sandwich bar.
Lunds says it is the first retailer to equip an entire store with state-of-the-art solutions. Plans for future locations include downtown Minneapolis. The parent company, Lund Food Holdings, Inc., owns and operates eight Lunds and 12 Byerly's retail food stores in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.