Albertsons Companies introduced Albertsons Pay, a new zero-touch checkout experience.
Available through its updated just for U loyalty app, it offers shoppers with a secure and contact-free way to pay, use discounts, and earn rewards. The new technology is available in all Albertsons stores.
“Easy, fast, and zero-touch checkout. That’s the bottom line with Albertsons Pay,” said Albertsons EVP and COO Susan Morris. “Albertsons Pay combines your just for U discounts, rewards, and payments in one incredibly easy contactless transaction.”
After setup, customers simply show the QR code in their just for U app at checkout. The new option complements existing tap-to-pay options with debit and credit cards at all Albertsons stores. Customers will also find a link to Apple Pay and Google Pay within the app for access to contactless credit and debit transactions
Additionally, the chain is testing self-serve pickup lockers in select markets, reported Fox Business (Oct. 19).
The lockers are from automation giant Bell and Howell and will first be deployed at select Jewel-Osco locations in Chicago followed by select Safeway locations in the Bay Area. Customers will be able to place orders using those stores’ websites and apps with goods stored in the lockers for pickup.
The test lockers are modular and temperature-controlled, allowing them to be suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. The setup can be adjusted to ensure specific temperatures are met so orders can be safety maintained.
Stores testing out the lockers will feature a “PickUp” option online or in the store’s app. Customers will be asked to choose a time window in which they can pick up their groceries and once purchase is confirmed, customers will receive a unique code to pick up their order.
“Our strategy to leverage technology and innovation to continue to grow our digital business is focused on creating products customers love that truly make their lives easier,” said Chris Rupp, Albertsons EVP and chief customer and digital officer.
In its second quarter, Albertsons’ digital sales tripled, reported The Motley Fool (Oct. 20). The chain also saw revenue jump 11% to $15.76 billion.
The grocer, which recently went public, said same-store sales soared 13.8% and digital sales went up 243% higher from the year-ago period—beating Wall Street’s forecast. Analysts expected Albertsons to generated $15.6 billion in sales.
Meanwhile, Albertsons-owned ACME Markets plans to acquire 27 Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Markets for $96.4 million in cash under a bankruptcy auction, reported Supermarket News (Oct. 14).
ACME expects to finalize the transactions later this fiscal year, pending the customer closing conditions and regulatory and court approvals.
