UK: Waitrose opens first cashless store | Progresiv

Waitrose is taking convenience one step further by opening a new cashless store that will enable quicker transactions. For the first time, Waitrose will provide an entirely cashless experience, accepting payment by either card or through smartphones. Shoppers will be able to use one of these two methods at the store's five self-service checkouts, making the transactional process quick and simple. Waitrose is the first UK supermarket to operate a cashless store, demonstrating the retailer's investment in technology and focus on customer service.

The new little Waitrose store is located at Sky's new office building 'Sky Central' in Osterly, and it is the retailer's second workplace store after British Airways' offices in Harmondsworth. At 1,400 sq ft, it is the second smallest Waitrose store in the estate, however we expect it will be kept very busy as it will cater to over 3,500 Sky employees. Prior to opening, Waitrose met with several groups of Sky employees to research what they would want the store to offer.

Following this study, Waitrose has decided to focus its offering on key missions such as evening meals and food-to-go, with the latter including fresh sandwiches, wraps and sushi. Shoppers will also be able to pick up fresh produce and ingredients, celebration cakes, flowers, cupboard staples, and pastries from the in-store bakery. The store also ranges mini health and beauty products due to the on-site gym, as well as travel accessories for those on the move.

Speaking about the new store, Waitrose convenience director Jackie Wharton says, "Opening on the Sky campus is an exciting opportunity for us to respond to how customers wish to shop in this flagship workplace setting. Our convenience model is now more flexible than ever, especially as payment methods and ranges continue to evolve, so we'll look forward to exploring other opportunities like this in the future." (www.igd.com)