Over the past couple years, several retailers have launched new scan & go pilots. Some are even calling this tired technology autonomous checkout, comparing it to systems from Amazon Go. But scan & go and autonomous checkout really have little in common. Here’s how the two tech-powered checkout processes differ.
While consumers may be understanding of delays caused by – yup – supply chain issues, they are less forgiving when it comes to being charged for shipping. Over half of respondents to a survey from Dotcom Distribution said they get the delays, but just 25% of those respondents said it made them more tolerant of shipping costs.
Walmart is adding its in-home delivery service an option for Walmart+ subscribers, making it easier for them to access the service through a single registration as it expands to new markets. Amazon for its part is giving Prime members a year of free GrubHub deliveries, while getting an option for a 2% stake in the company.
The founders DynoSafe, maker of a patented refrigerated smart safe for porch deliveries that won a “Shark Tank” investment deal with Robert Herjavec, is in discussion with manufacturers and prepping its go-to-market plan. Fellow Shark Mark Cuban is also on the board of the husband-and-wife-led company.
Against a backdrop of supply chain disruption, the ecommerce boom and worldwide driver shortages over the last several years, many brands have faced hurdles concerning fulfillment while logging more home deliver failures. Although some have tailored their strategies to overcome them, others haven’t been quite as successful.
To the ubiquitous BOPIS, Verizon is now adding BOPIL, aka buy online, pickup at locker, at 250 of its retail locations, to add a layer of convenience and checkout option for its customers, citing consumer data showing consumer interest is growing. Some locations provide 24-hour access, and more lockers are being added monthly.
Amazon is taking another step to build its ecommerce fulfillment domination by allowing its 200 million-plus Prime members to purchase products from other retailers, who will be charged fees to offer Prime-like services like free two-day and next-day delivery.
Given the vast amount of data streaming into its ubiquitous search engine every day, its various technology platforms and the ecommerce explosion, it’s only logical that Google is offering what it sees as a better mousetrap to solve the thorny problem of route optimization in last-mile deliveries.
Whether launching new supply chain software or migrating from an existing system, having a precise evaluation and selection process drives operational effectiveness. It also reinforces transparency and fluidity throughout the organization. A thorough evaluation mapping process is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Sephora continues to expand same-day delivery to customers’ doors, providing service in as little as an hour thanks to a new partnership with delivery service Shipt, which is owned by Target. The major beauty retailer already has a same-day delivery partnership with Instacart, on top of its own Beauty on Demand service.