X5 Retail Group began installing self-checkout (SCO) machines

X5 Retail Group is a successful leading Russian food retailer. The Company operates several retail formats: proximity stores under the Pyaterochka brand, supermarkets under the Perekrestok brand and hypermarkets under the Karusel brand. The company stock is FIVE (VIE).

In Russia, X5 successfully rolled out self-service technology made in-house across many geographical areas. Installation of self-checkout (SCO) machines has begun. The machines are developed in-house at Pyaterochka proximity stores in all geographical areas.

Mass implementation of self-service technologies has its benefits. Greater distances between humans can be created. Contact between customers and store personnel can be minimized. Amazingly, 1,435 self-checkouts are already installed at 369 stores. The greater plan for 2020 is to have a total of 12,000 units operating.

The self-checkout system is the first hardware and software product developed entirely in-house by X5’s innovation lab. Compared to similar self-service systems, X5’s machines cost about 4 times less to mass-produce while offering superior functionality. 5 Russian enterprises are engaged in the assembly process. The process also creates additional jobs for the local population.

Of course, many other stores around the world are also making big changes because of the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic. For example, Walmart is making huge changes to its stores. People will not be bumping into each other’s shopping carts at the grocery store, anymore. "One direction only" aisles are being added to Walmart stores in an effort to support coronavirus-related social distancing efforts. It's unknown how many Walmart stores will have these aisles.

Walmart single-direction aisles are being added to stores in the U.K. and Canada. Walmart is considering implementing them in the USA. Walmart is also creating temperature checks at all locations. Walmart offers workers gloves and masks.

Single-direction aisles could be used even after humans "win the battle" against the virus. Other grocery stores may also copy the aisles that Walmart is creating. Many grocery stores also have plexiglass windows at registers and screens to protect from the virus. Some stores have employees that check that customers are at least six feet apart. Some stores are also temporarily halting product returns and the acceptance of reusable plastic bags, both of which could easily transmit the disease.

Home Improvement chains such as Home Depot and Lowe’s are certainly also using self-checkout registers.

Here are some of the X5 Retail Group Subsidiaries:

Perekrestok

Pyaterochka

Karusel

AgroTorg OOO

Read more news about X5 Retail Group:

April 16, 2020 Russia’s X5 Retail Group reports 5.7% increase in like-for-like sales in Q1 2020 - retailtimes.co.uk

March 19, 2020 Russia's X5 Retail Group sees limited impact from forex risks - reuters.com

April 10, 2020 Metro, Magnit, X5 Retail Group other retailers may face a shortage of food - thetimeshub.in