NCR SelfServ™ self-checkout solutions are in use at high volume
MERKUR stores to enhance customer service and operational effectiveness
DUSSELDORF, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 24, 2015--
NCR
Corporation (NYSE: NCR), the global leader in consumer transaction
technologies, announced today that MERKUR,
a leading Austrian supermarket chain that is part of the German REWE
Group, will equip its high-volume stores with innovative NCR
self-checkout solutions. With the NCR SelfServ self-checkouts MERKUR
wants to reduce queues, thereby improving customer service and
operational effectiveness in its stores.
MERKUR
focuses on excellent quality, freshness, and a huge range and value for
money under one roof. One hundred and twenty-eight stores across Austria
with an average 2,000 square meters in size offer up to 20,000 different
products for sale.
During an initial roll out in October 2014 at the renowned Gerngross
MERKUR department store in Vienna, MERKUR assessed the impact of
self-checkout technology on both customer satisfaction and internal
operations. The feedback was very positive, and reflected the findings
of a recent NCR
global study on the use of self-checkout technology that revealed
shoppers and retailers widely value and adopt self-checkout technology.
Future deployments of self-checkout solutions at other MERKUR stores are
planned as the retailer expects that more than one-third of all
purchases will be via self-checkout in the mid-term. With the deployment
of self-checkout technology, MERKUR aims to differentiate itself from
the competition with improved customer service, while at the same time
optimizing its processes.
“MERKUR intends to provide impeccable customer service. To achieve this
we deploy new technologies to improve our business and make every day
easier for our customers. If regular employee tasks are more efficient,
staff members have more time to serve our customers. This improves
customer satisfaction and our bottom line,” explained MERKUR executive
Manfred Denner. “The acceptance of NCR self-checkout solutions has
exceeded our expectations. Regular and passing customers, as well as
employees, have embraced the new technology from day one. During the
peak Christmas time the self-checkout solutions proved especially
valuable by reducing queues at our stores.”
NCR has also been able to support MERKUR and its employees with advice,
training and services to complement the deployed self-checkout
solutions. Customers can choose to pay using cash, with credit or debit
cards. A cash recycling function in the NCR SelfServ solution deployed
also eliminates the need to constantly supply change and reduces
operational costs by decreasing the number of cash deliveries required.
“People around the world use self-checkout technology for speed and
greater control when they shop,” said Dusty Lutz, general manager,
Self-Service at NCR Retail Solutions. “Industry research and NCR’s
extensive industry experience illustrate that customers are more likely
to return to a retailer that provides self-checkout technology. NCR
SelfServ Checkout reduces queue waiting times by up to 40 percent,
greatly enhancing the shopping experience. It also allows retail
employees to be redeployed from front-end checkout duties to valuable
in-aisle functions that ultimately improve customer loyalty.”
About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is the global leader in consumer transaction
technologies, turning everyday interactions with businesses into
exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of
services, NCR enables nearly 550 million transactions daily across
retail, financial, travel, hospitality, telecom and technology, and
small business. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make
your life easier.
NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia with approximately 29,000
employees and does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR
Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Web site: www.ncr.com
Twitter: @NCR_Retail,
@NCRCorporation
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcorp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation
Source: NCR
NCR Public Relations
Ortrud Wenzel, +49 821 405 8191
ortrud.wenzel@ncr.com