Tesco Ireland has announced plans for a technology-based customer number and queue management system to be rolled out across its stores nationwide as it continues to respond to COVID-19.
Following a successful trial at its Greystones store, the company said that it will now introduce the monitor-based 3D imaging system which will count customer numbers entering and exiting stores, to ensure an accurate steady flow of people throughout the day.
“Customers in Greystones have responded really well to this trial, with great feedback received so far," said David Murphy, store manager, Tesco Greystones.
"It gives both my team great peace of mind for managing the numbers in store at any given time, and for customers to know they’re entering a safe environment as well," he added.
Nationwide Roll Out
The new screen technology will roll out across the majority of stores starting with its 60 largest Superstore and Extra outlets in the coming weeks, with a tailored version for its Express stores in due course.
'As Tesco works to comply with social distancing measures, store size and format dictate the maximum numbers of customers permitted to enter a store at any one time,' the retailer said.
This technology indicates the number of people in store at any one time, highlighting for customers when it is safe to enter with directional arrows permitting entry, or a stop sign to advise them to wait.
“We’ve worked hard to maintain a safe shopping environment for colleagues and customers to date," said Geoff Byrne, chief operating officer, Tesco Ireland.
"This new technology is a simple, accurate way of reducing queue times and allows our colleagues spend more time helping customers," he added.
When the number of people in store reaches its set capacity, a visual red sign informs the customer to wait until someone leaves and the screen turns green to allow the permit customer entry.
'At these busier times, or at set hours dedicated to the elderly and family carers, the personal manning of store entry and exit points will continue,' it added.
© 2020 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click sign-up to subscribe to Checkout
