Supermarket giant trials new service to help shoppers avoid queues – see the full list of branches

SHOPPERS at selected Morrisons will be able to skip lengthy checkout queues as the supermarket trials a new service.

The grocer is introducing scan as you shop devices, which allow customers to scan an item as it goes into their basket.

1

The tool replaces the need for users to have all their purchases scanned at the end of the shop.

Most shops also allow you to check out in a completely different area from other shoppers, further saving time in queues, generally making it quicker to pay and leave.

It means shoppers can track how much they're spending as they go around the aisles, allowing you to budget and stick to your list.

You can use the technology on your phone or a device in store.

It also means you can bag your groceries as you wander around, saving you even more time.

The trial is taking place at Morrisons stores in Rothwell, Cleethorpes, Starbeck, Tynemouth, Cardiff Tyglas, and St Albans.

Morrisons is thought to be gauging shoppers' interest in the technology during the trial, as rivals Sainsbury's and Tesco already offer similar tools across most big stores.

Shoppers usually have to scan their loyalty card to start shopping with the scanners, meaning the trial will likely only be available to users of Morrisons loyalty More card.

The devices can be useful if you need to check prices, however, if there is a discrepancy you will still need staff to help out.

There is usually one or two members of staff available to help with issues at self scan tills.

It comes after chief executive Rami Baitiéh recently announced Morrisons will scale back the number of self-checkout kiosks in its stores.

He said: "Morrisons went a bit too far with the self-checkout.

"This had the advantage of driving some productivity.

"However, some shoppers dislike it, mainly when they have a full trolley."

Now Morrisons has decided to reduce the number of self-checkout kiosks and reintroduce more manned tills.

Over the past decade, supermarkets have invested in self-scanning equipment which helps cut down on staffing costs.

However, not all shoppers enjoy a faceless shopping experience.

Booths, an upscale Northern grocery chain, recently abandoned the technology after discovering that customers had a more enjoyable experience when interacting with a cashier.