In addition to offering the EasyShop device in 100 stores, Stop & Shop, Quincy, Mass., has deployed a deli management system called DeliVision in just under 200 stores over the past year.
DeliVision consists of a self-service ordering kiosk, an electronic ticket dispenser and two plasma screens above the deli counter.
Loyalty shoppers can call up their favorite selections on the kiosk by scanning their card. Orders placed at the kiosk can be retrieved in about 20 minutes, prompted by an announcement over the public address system or by a signal on the EasyShop device. The majority of stores with EasyShop also offer DeliVision.
Shoppers at the deli counter take a ticket from the electronic dispenser. The overhead screens display the current number, visible from a substantial distance from the counter. The screen can be configured to tell shoppers how long the wait is for the next customer, as well as to display messages.
The system aligns both kiosk and counter orders in a queue, telling deli employees whom to serve next. Stores can also dedicate employees to the kiosk alone.
“Reaction to DeliVision has been extremely positive,” said Robert Keane, media relations manager, Stop & Shop. “Our customers are thrilled about having to the ability to place their deli order [at the kiosk] without taking a number or waiting in line. They have also responded positively to how DeliVision ‘remembers’ past orders and calls them up when using your Stop & Shop card.”
Stop & Shop plans to implement multi-language support for DeliVision in the near future, Keane said.
Robert Wesley, president and chief executive officer, Modiv Media, said retailers can use sales data gathered by DeliVision to schedule employees so that demand is met at peak times. DeliVision is also being deployed by some stores operated by Ukrop's Super Markets, Richmond, Va., and Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, a paging device, similar to what restaurants give to patrons to tell them their table is ready, is being used by Publix at its GreenWise Market in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., in the prepared foods emporium.
“With over 10 different venues of culinary choices, customers benefit from placing their orders, receiving a pager to alert them when their meal is complete, gathering their other shopping needs and returning for pickup once their meal is complete,” said Maria Brous, spokeswoman for Publix.