At a glance
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Customer expectations met through speed and efficiencyThe hybrid SCO has enabled Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee to keep in pace with modern retail practises.
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Cost saving and stress reducing solutionThe hybrid SCO has enabled Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee to both reduce daily costs and staffing stress
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Hybrid Self-Checkout ModelCaldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee now completes 18% of transactions through their hybrid SCO
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EDGEPoS Solutions used
When asked why Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee decided to implement Self-Checkouts to their store, owner Gary explained that they “like to embrace everything that’s new…and self-checkouts were new at the time.”
Co-owner Laura then highlighted that “it’s inevitable that (self-checkouts) are coming, everywhere is getting them”. Through the implementation of a self-checkout, SPAR Islandmagee ensured that they were responding to evolving customer expectations and remained competitive with other retailers.
Gary reinforced that “people are used to it, it’s not like it’s an anomaly anymore”. This highlights how the implementation of a self-checkout was both a proactive and necessary solution to keep in pace with modern retail practises.
The owners also recognised the popularity of the hybrid self-checkout till “now you see even the older generation who you thought maybe would be hesitant about self-checkouts using them.” Customers recognise that it is “going to get me out of here faster”.
Easy Implementation through Hybrid Model
Gary explained that “the fact (the self-checkout) was a hybrid model really attracted us”. Hybrid units are seamlessly bolted on to existing checkout lanes, helping retailers gain all the benefits of self- checkouts without the need for additional floor space.
With the hybrid model, Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee can still “have three people on the tills” if they wish, or “can still have that third till going” without the third member of staff. The Hybrid Self-Checkouts offer retailers greater operational flexibility, enabling them to allocate staff to areas where they are most needed while maintaining efficient checkout capacity.
Through the hybrid model, Gary was able to challenge the argument that self-checkouts are stealing jobs as “we have the exact same amount of staff” after implementing a hybrid self-checkout, “it’s just that if someone’s not there it’s now easier for staff and customers”.
In addition, Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee found the hybrid model easy to implement into their store, as no counter work was required. “It didn’t take very much for (the implementation) to be done, they were installed quickly”. They also acknowledged that “the support from Hendersons was there” and that the “training was very good”.
Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee acknowledged that their self-checkout has “definitely sped things up” “it gets the queues through quicker, even if people don’t want to use it they know it’s there so they are less disgruntled if they have to wait to speak to someone behind the till, as that’s their choice”.
Laura highlighted that customers particularly appreciate the efficiency of a self-checkout “in the mornings because they are trying to get quickly out to work”.
By having a single self-checkout, the store has seen an improvement to their operational efficiency as “it frees up that member of staff to do something … we can prioritise other jobs that need done”. Ultimately they can now “get more done in the shop and a greater range of things” rather than focusing all their work staffing the tills.
Time Saving and Stress Reduction
Gary and Laura advised that self-checkouts “definitely pay off dividends in the long run”.
18% of Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee’s transactions are now made through their self-checkout till, resulting in 2 hours saved per day (14 hours per week).
Not only do self-checkouts offer time-saving benefits, but also help to reduce stress through taking away the anxiety of being understaffed.
The owners highlighted that they “don’t have to be as stringent about having the exact amount of staff there at the exact time, there’s still scope there for customers to get what they want quick enough even if we don’t have the staff.”
The experience of Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee demonstrates how adopting a hybrid self-checkout can be both a strategic and practical investment for retailers. By proactively embracing new technology, Laura and Gary Caldwell ensured their store kept pace with changing customer expectations while strengthening its competitive position in the local market.
The hybrid model has delivered faster queue times, offered operational flexibility and reduced the pressure associated with staffing fluctuations.
Overall, Caldwell’s SPAR Islandmagee’s experience shows that hybrid self-checkouts are not only a cost-saving tool, but a way to enhance efficiency, future-proof operations and maintain the high level of service that loyal customers expect.