Eye on Retail Tech: Meijer Rolls Out Mobile Checkout Chainwide

Meijer has completed a 15-month initiative to offer “Shop & Scan” retail technology at all 246 of its stores across the Midwest.

The mobile checkout effort was finalized as the Midwestern retailer added the option to 44 stores throughout Southeastern Michigan this September. Since the original pilot launch last year in Grand Rapids, MI, the Meijer Mobile app has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times, while the initiative continued to steadily expand to stores throughout Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Kentucky. Once the app was downloaded, more than 80% of Meijer customers have repeatedly used the Shop & Scan app as part of their shopping experience. 

The Shop & Scan technology works via the free Meijer Mobile App. The tech allows customers to shop and bag as they go, giving them the opportunity to avoid lines. Once they download the Meijer Mobile App, customers use Shop & Scan  to scan bar codes on items and bag their own groceries. A running total of items purchased is viewable as they shop throughout the store. Once a customer has completed their shopping, they scan their phone at a self-checkout lane and pay, making the checkout experience quick and easy.

"As we've rolled the program out in six states, the response has been incredibly enthusiastic," said Stephanie Brackenridge, director of customer experience for Meijer. "Customers have appreciated the ability to have a choice in shopping how they want, depending on how their day is going. Many are finding the opportunity to personalize their store visit with a cell phone is a great way to save time and help avoid lines."

Brackenridge said that the most popular features that Meijer customers have liked include the integrated shopping list, running total, and the ability to clip any available mPerks coupons for items scanned.

In addition to Shop & Scan, the retailer also offers Meijer Home Delivery and a pickup option in all stores.