Navigating Self-Checkout: Why It Continues to Succeed in C-Stores

A discussion has taken place lately questioning the value of self-checkouts within supermarkets and department stores.    

For convenience store retailers considering self-checkout, perspective is important. From the items they sell to the shoppers who buy them, large grocery stores are drastically different retail environments from c-stores.

All this talk got us thinking about why Passport® Express Lane™ self-checkout is the perfect fit for c-stores.  

The Consumer

Consumers who shop at c-stores are looking for a quick experience. They want to get the items they need and check out. 41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line, according to data from CPI . Having self-checkout kiosks allows them to get through their transaction quickly and be back on their way.  

The Products  

C-store consumers aren’t filling a shopping cart with a week’s worth of groceries. 56.5% of all in-store sales at c-stores are made up of prepared foods, prepared beverages and cigarettes, according to the NACS survey. Rarely do shoppers need to perform complicated processes like operating weight scales or identifying various types of produce. They are simply looking to grab a couple low-cost items which are easy to ring up at self-checkout.    

The Checkout Process

45.6% of c-store shoppers say they prefer the shortest line, regardless of the checkout type, according to data from NACS. For those who prefer self-checkout, 60.8% say it’s because it’s faster, and 45.4% say it’s because the lines are shorter. Providing a self-checkout gives c-store shoppers another way to get through their transaction quickly.

How Passport Express Lane Helps

Passport Express Lane is designed for the c-store environment. It integrates seamlessly with Passport POS to:   

• Accelerate checkout time
• Allocate labor to important tasks
• Increase operational efficiencies to cut costs
• Increase customer satisfaction
• Build customer loyalty to increase revenue

Cashiers can use their Passport POS cashier workstations to control and supervise customers’ self-checkout transactions, providing them the ability to manage things like age-restricted items from behind the counter. With the addition of self-checkout, employees have more time to aid customers and help deter theft in the c-store.

The Bottom Line

In the dynamic world of convenience retail, the potential for success often lies in the ability to walk in the consumers’ shoes. While the debate will likely continue on whether self-checkout belongs in supermarkets and department stores, it’s clear that they do belong in c-stores, and we’ll continue to provide you with self-checkout solutions that fit your operation.