Nigerian supermarket chain begins trial of self-checkout system

If successful, the intention is to roll out the system to all 26 Justrite Superstores in Western Nigeria. 

The checkout service promises to streamline the shopping process by enabling customers to pay for their items online, eliminating the need for traditional checkout queues. Jump n Pass claims it can be 60% faster than traditional checkouts. 

Reports technology news website Tech Estate: “The adoption of Jump n Pass’s mobile self-checkout solution by Justrite reflects a strategic move to address customer preferences and mitigate revenue loss associated with long queues.  

“Studies indicate that 86% of customers are inclined to avoid stores with lengthy checkout lines, underscoring the importance of optimising the checkout process.” 

Web app syncs with the store’s inventory 

According to Tech Estate, upon entering a store, customers utilise a web app to scan a barcode, identifying the specific store location. The app syncs with the store’s inventory, allowing customers to scan items with their smartphones and create an online cart.  

Subsequently, customers complete their purchase online, bypassing traditional checkout queues. 

“While the mobile self-checkout system offers convenience, store attendants play a crucial role in verifying purchases to ensure accuracy. To streamline this process, Jump n Pass imposes limits on the number of items customers can purchase,” the website says. 

Comments Trendtype, the London-based emerging markets consultancy: “It’s not clear how much of a trend self-checkout will be in Nigeria, where the modern trade is a tiny percentage of total grocery retail sales.” 

Shoprite Checkers in South Africa and Carrefour in Kenya are among the African retail chains already using self-checkout systems.