Kroger Expands Scan, Bag, Go to 18 Divisions

400-store rollout follows tests in Ohio and Arizona storesBy Rebekah Marcarelli on Jan. 31, 2018The Kroger Co. said that its Scan, Bag, Go platform would expand to 18 of its operating divisions this year,  with plans to offer cashierless capabilities later this year.

Developed by Kroger’s in-house team and tested during the past year in several locations in tandem with its Restock initiative, Scan, Bag, Go provides an expedited, hassle-free checkout process by allowing customers to scan and bag products with wireless handheld scanners or a mobile app as they shop. Company officials speaking at its October investor conference—referring to the program as Scan, Bag, Pay and Go—said it would reach approximately 400 stores this year. While customers currently using the technology must visit the store’s self-checkout area to provide payment, they will soon be able to pay directly on the mobile app.

Chris Hjelm, Kroger’s EVP and CIO, said Scan, Bag, Go is another choice, such as ClickList, that the retailer provides for its customers to allow them to decide how they would like to shop at the retailer.

“With every new product, service and technology integration, Kroger is redefining the customer experience and reimagining the store of the future,” Hjelm said in a statement. “After testing Scan, Bag, Go in several locations, we are bringing this transformative technology to new stores across the country through Restock Kroger.”

The service also allows shoppers to view and download digital coupons, keep a running total of their order and view the current week’s sales ad.

“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, Kroger’s group VP of retail operations, in the statement. “We are always excited to execute innovative ideas that benefit our customers’ shopping experiences.”

Scan, Bag, Go will be offered as an option alongside traditional checkout lanes, self-checkout, online ordering, curbside pickup and home delivery in select cities.

By the end of the year, Scan, Bag, Go will be available at select locations in the following Kroger divisions: Atlanta, Central, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Delta, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Houston, King Soopers, Louisville, Michigan, Mid-Atlantic, Nashville, Ralphs, Smith’s and QFC.