Co-op is introducing innovative new ‘flexi checkouts’ across its estate in what it says is a grocery retail first, enabling tills to switch between staffed and self-service modes to improve convenience and reduce queues.
The retailer is rolling out the dual-screen technology to 150 stores by April, following successful trials, as part of its ongoing investment in high streets and communities.
The bespoke tills can be operated by cashiers or used as self-service, allowing all till points to remain available at all times. Co-op said the move would help cut wait times at busy periods while freeing up colleagues to engage with shoppers and assist on the shopfloor.
The digital screens also highlight price savings, deals and membership benefits, while retaining traditional cashier functionality for kiosk-only purchases or customers who prefer face-to-face service.
“We’re focussed on creating stores which contribute to local life and conveniently meet the needs of communities,” David Tyas, Co-op’s head of operations support centre and innovation, said.
“We know that many customers enjoy engaging with our friendly colleagues in store, while for others a quick transaction is key, and so our latest checkout technology replaces our existing tills with the added flexibility to do both – supporting our commitment to our physical store estate in high streets and communities as we continually invest and innovate to create additional customer choice, meet the needs of our customers and provide an enjoyable shopping experiences for all.”
Supplied by Diebold Nixdorf, the checkouts use software developed in-house by Co-op’s technology teams. The retailer added that the screens also have future capability to support services such as parcel collection and further expand the Co-op Media Network, strengthening its position in convenience retail media.
The rollout forms part of Co-op’s broader store investment programme. Last month, the retailer confirmed plans to open 18 stores in the first quarter of 2026, including new locations and outlets reopening following refurbishment.