NEW YORK, NY - Thus far, the new decade has been synonymous with speed as consumers and business operators alike work to make every aspect of life as efficient as possible. This need for speed has presented itself in the grocery sector as of late as retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Wegmans, accelerate the development of delivery, pickup, and contactless strategies. Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) recently threw its hat into the speed ring, partnering with FutureProof Retail (FPR) to provide FPR's mobile self-scanning checkout and counter service solutions as a no-touch technology solution to AWG member retailers.

"FutureProof Retail's Self-Scanning Solution helps our members compete favorably in all markets served because it allows independent supermarkets to eliminate wait times at checkout and service counters, and it also enables social distancing in stores," said Stacy Bowen, AWG's Vice President of Sales and Solutions. "It provides all required features out of the box and is easy to adapt and integrate into the existing store systems and processes."

FPR's solution allows shoppers to use their smartphones to scan and bag items while they are shopping. According to a press release, they can then pay on their phone and skip the lines at checkout. Customers can also pre-order prepared food or deli items at in-store service counters and receive a notification when they are ready for pickup.

FPR's technology is already deployed at stores owned by AWG member McKeever's Enterprises.

"We are always looking for ways to enhance our customers' experience and make their shopping trip quick and more efficient," noted Tim Cosens, Director of Merchandising, Marketing, and Technology, McKeever Enterprises. "We felt FPR's solution was the perfect fit to accomplish that mission."

In the current health crisis, self-scanning is the perfect means for social distancing in stores as it reduces the risk of exposure for both customers and store staff. In order to help retailers, FutureProof Retail is donating its line-free checkout solution free of charge to grocery stores and supermarkets while there is a National State of Emergency.

In addition to this generous donation, AWG members will enjoy preferential pricing from FPR beyond this phase.

"We are excited to help AWG members increase customer convenience," said Di Di Chan, President of FutureProof Retail. "Being part of AWG's Retail Systems portfolio combined with our free service offer makes it easy for AWG members to enter frictionless shopping without a huge upfront investment."

As retailers continue bringing contactless innovations to the forefront, keep checking in on reports from AndNowUKnow.

Associated Wholesale Grocers FutureProof Retail