KEY POINTS:
Supermarket checkouts without staff have come another step closer at one of Auckland's busiest supermarkets.
New World in Victoria Park began a two-month trial of four self-check lanes where shoppers scanned their own shopping and paid with credit cards, eftpos or cash - all without intervention from staff.
Supermarket owner Rob McGregor said the new self-check lanes had received a good reception from shoppers.
He said they were not meant to replace the human element, but were designed for the shopper who wanted only a few items and were keen to get in and out quickly.
After scanning the items, they were paid for by credit card, eftpos, or money was put in a slot and change was given.
However, one shopper was not impressed and said they would make the queues longer, particularly if shoppers were buying fruit and had to find the right button to press to get a price.
Getting away without paying for some items would be as hard at the new lanes.
The lanes were under constant supervision and the technology made abuse difficult, said Mr McGregor.
The supermarket had 20 checkout lanes.
The self-check lanes had already been tried out in the South Island where they had also been well received.
- NZPA
