Scanner Envy

Self-checkout scanners in grocery and other stores are on the rise, even though Albertson's are removing them from all stores so customers can act with cashiers, not display screens. VDC Research Group estimated scanner growth at 84% over the next five years and noted scanners can reduce wait times, save on labor costs, and make maximum use of limited retail floor space -- although upfront costs are $17,000 to $20,000 each versus $2500 to $3000 for a regular cash register. A MSNBC survey of 160,000 users found about 35% found self-checkout lanes handy, 37% hated them, and 28% used them when they had to. Smartphone checkout should be the next technological hurdle for grocery stores, although Europe and other parts of the world are already using it.

Now, if supermarkets can only get their baggers to stop putting the eggs at the bottom of the bag...