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Self-checkouts: Have Shops Reached Peak Self-Scan?

Why are some retailers bringing back people to scan our shopping? Evan Davis and guests discuss whether shops have hit self-checkout saturation.

Self-checkouts have become a staple in supermarkets, fast food chains and other shops, but now some companies are reconsidering their use. Evan Davis explores the technology's role in the retail landscape and asks whether we鈥檝e reached peak self-checkout, or if they鈥檙e just a step on the way to an even more digitised shopping future. With insights from industry leaders and experts, he examines the economics behind un-manned tills, generational differences in consumer acceptance, and their links to a recent rise in shoplifting. Plus, is automation actually making our lives easier, and what's lost if the personal touch disappears from shopping?

Guests:
Julian Metcalfe, founder, Itsu;
Robert Elsey, chief digital and information officer, Co-op
Natalie Berg, retail analyst and host of the Retail Disrupted podcast

Presenter: Evan Davis
Producers: Simon Tulett and Eleanor Harrison-Dengate
Sound: Rod Farquhar
Production Coordinator: Katie Morrison
Editor: Matt Willis

Available now

29 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Thu 27 Feb 2025 12:04
  • Tue 4 Mar 2025 21:30

Podcast