Kroger adds high-tech convenience to stay competitive

Amazon.com is getting tons of press for its recently open-to-the-public, attendant-free Amazon Go store in Seattle. Now the company's brick-and-mortar rivals are adding high-tech features to their own stores. Kroger, for one, announced that it would introduce its new Scan, Bag, Go shopping technology in 18 operating divisions, making the service available this year to customers at some 400 stores.

"With every new product, service and technology integration, Kroger is redefining the customer experience and reimagining the store of the future," said Chris Hjelm, Kroger's chief information officer. "After testing Scan, Bag, Go in several locations, we are bringing this transformative technology to new stores across the country through Restock Kroger."

Kroger's research-and-development team invented the Scan, Bag, Go technology to enable customers to use a wireless, handheld scanner or the specialized app on a personal devices to scan and bag products when they shop. Scan, Bag, Go also lets customers view and download digital coupons, keep a running total of their orders and view sales ads.

Scan, Bag, Go customers visit a store's self-checkout area to pay for their purchases, but they will soon be able to pay directly through the app, saving even more time.

Kroger will offer Scan, Bag, Go alongside traditional checkout lanes staffed by associates; self-checkout; online ordering; curbside pickup; and home delivery in select cities.

"The installation of Scan, Bag, Go is a collaboration between the Kroger operations and tech teams that allows us to accelerate the adoption of new technologies in our stores," said Mary Ellen Adcock, group vice president of retail operations. "We are always excited to execute innovative ideas that benefit our customers' shopping experiences."

Kroger operates nearly 3,000 food stores under various local banners across 35 states and in the District of Columbia.