Carrefour Introduces Kenya’s First Self-Checkout Counters

Carrefour Kenya, owned and run by Majid Al Futtaim, has introduced a self-checkout service at its Nairobi Westgate Mall store; it is a first-of-its-kind service in Kenya.

The self-checkout service allows customers to shop and complete purchases without the assistance of cashiers at the cash counter, saving time and avoiding inconveniences caused by long queues.

Christophe Orcet, Regional Director – East Africa, Majid Al Futtaim Retail, said, “The self-checkout service underlines our ongoing commitment to creating seamless shopping experiences for all our customers through adopting global best practices and solutions. The innovative service will allow customers greater freedom, control and convenience while shopping.”

To access the service, customers can click ‘Start’ on the self-checkout counter’s digital screen, scan their items using the barcode reader, and complete the purchase by tapping on ‘Finish & Pay’. 

The self-checkout lane accepts cashless payment options, including Mpesa, debit or credit cards, and MyCLUB loyalty points for even greater flexibility.

The service will be used by customers shopping fewer than 15 items and is expected to be rolled out in all Carrefour stores in the country following a successful pilot. 

Currently, the retailer has 19 stores countrywide, with 15 located in Nairobi, while Kisumu and Mombasa are home to 2 stores each.

Christophe Orcet also disclosed that they would soon launch a scan-and-go solution with mobile. “You will use the application to purchase food. You will scan your item during shopping and use a dedicated payment counter; this process is also easy.”

Global trend

According to the 2019 Grand View Research report, the demand for self-checkout systems is expected to increase with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.3 per cent in marketplace value between 2020 and 2027. 

In addition, retailers are adopting technology to attract customers back to physical stores and to offer immersive shopping experiences from customer engagement to the checkout processes.

Subsequently, in the Global Powers of Retailing 2023 report, Deloitte says advanced technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and data analytics enable retailers to personalise their recommendations, streamline checkouts and interact with customers in various ways.

“In this new era of retail, the innovative application of technology will be crucial in fostering customer loyalty and driving business success.”