Woolworths introduces brand new Scan&Go feature

Woolworths has introduced an Australian first technology feature that will be trialled in a handful of stores.

Woolworths has introduced an Australian first with the newest evolution of it’s Scan&Go technology being trialled.

The supermarket chain has launched Australia’s first digital supermarket trolley in a bid to allow customers to scan, bag and track their spend as they shop.

All Woolworths customers have to do is unlock a tablet from the front of the store using their Everyday rewards card and attach it to their trolley before starting their shop.

It removes the need for customers to use their personal mobile device.

It is currently being trialled at Woolworths Windsor, in Sydney’s North West. There are plans to also bring it to Kellyville, Oran Park, Kellyville Grove, Kellyville North, Lane Cove, The Ponds, Warringah Mall, Schofields Town Centre and North Parramatta.

Woolworths is trialling an upgraded version of its Scan&Go technology. Picture: Supplied

Faye Ilhan, from the Woolworths Group, said: “Our customers are looking for us to deliver both value and convenience. Scan&Go Trolley is market leading innovation that will help them both save time and balance the budget on their supermarket shop.

“Pending feedback from our customers, we hope to introduce Scan&Go Trolley in more of our supermarkets nationwide, along with some additional features in the coming months, including the ability to pay for their groceries on the device.”

The original Scan&Go app was introduced into stores in 2018 and is now in 74 stores.

Woolworths said it will have no impact on team members in store.

It comes after an checkout feature being trialled at a handful of Woolworths stores sparked a huge divide among shoppers – with some fearing it’s a huge push towards a cashless Australia.

The supermarket giant installed “cash handling technology” in all its Metro stores in 2020, a device located at the front of check-outs which prevents employees from having to physically handle cash.

Woolworths later began trialling the cash-counting gadget in two of its main supermarket stores but hasn’t expanded the technology any further.

While the automatic device — a depository safe known as a “cash recycling machine” that counts and sorts money — isn’t new, the little-known checkout feature has recently gained attention following the supermarket’s announcement it was rolling out a “new front-of-store experience”.

It means customers don't have to use their personal device and can track their shop. Picture: Supplied

And after learning of its existence, Australians have been left with mixed thoughts on the cash handling technology, with some claiming they will “boycott” their local store if the machines are fitted at check-outs nationwide.

“I won’t be shopping at Woolworths any more that’s absolutely for sure,” one raged on Facebook.

“This is pure laziness,” someone else mused.

As another stated: “Is Woolies OK? It’s not hard for their staff to count a few coins.”

Others believed the move was a push towards becoming a cashless society, a claim Woolworths quickly refuted, as customers who want to pay with cash can still to do so using a manned checkout.

However many welcomed the additional checkout option, stating it was a good way to use up excessive coins.

“Why are people so mad? It doesn’t bother me at all,” said one.

“Such a good idea,” another agreed.