I don’t know if any of you have been to the Southington, Ct. Stop and Shop recently, but they have the new SCAN-IT! program in effect there.

This new way of shopping allows the customer to pick up the scanner which is located in the front of each store entrance. The shopper has to scan their Stop and Shop card first, which lights up the scanner rack, identifying which SCAN IT! scanner to use.

The shopper then takes the scanner and some bags and begins shopping.

There is a video monitor located where the scanners are, which tells the shopper how to use this new feature. Of course when I was at the store, I REFUSED TO USE IT. My daughter who was with me told me she used it and it was fine, but I don’t trust new fangled technology until it has been proven for a few years down the road.

Apparently you have to agree to an random “audit” of your purchases if you choose to participate in this SCAN IT! program. That already tells me there must be glitches.  I don’t feel like being accused of something I didn’t do. I had enough experience with that already!!

According to the SCAN IT! brochure:

The SCAN IT! system will randomly select orders for review. These reviews ensure system accuracy and that all items have been properly scanned. Notification of cashier assistance will appear when the checkout barcode is scanned.

If selected, an associate will assist you. During an audit, the associate will help you check out quickly by re-scanning your items. By accepting the SCAN IT! terms and conditions, on your first trip you agree to allow STOP&SHOP to randomly audit your order.

You also agree to scan each and every item you intend to purchase.  For any item that will not scan, you agree to separate and identify those items and bring them to the attention of the associate at the checkout.

Honestly, to me, it just sounds like too much trouble. And you know there are going to be people who are going to try to pull a fast one.

The stores are short personnel as it is. I don’t know how they are going to attend to these customers on top of the customers who still can’t operate the self-checkout. Only time will tell I guess.

Now when I was at the Southington Stop and Shop this past Wednesday, there were store personnel standing by the Scanners answering questions. I did see several people using this system, but I don’t think it has fully caught on yet.

I asked if Cheshire would be getting the scanners, the answer lady told me Wallingford would be next.

Now, just when you think you might want to venture out and try this, the SCAN IT! brochure lists “Special Care Items” or as I like to refer to it: PROBLEM ITEMS!!

According to the SCAN IT! brochure there are several “Special Care Items.”

PRODUCE: Most produce items can be scanned after printing a label at the SCAN IT ! scales in the Produce Department.

(Editor’s note): Remember, modern humans still have the Cro-Magnon brain!

For items that are pre-packaged, like bags of apples or containers of cherry tomatoes, just scan the barcode on the product.

BAKERY: For baked goods, that are sold individually, like donuts and bagels, scan the SCAN IT! barcode on the appropriate sign in the Bakery Department.

BULK COFFEE & CANDY: Weigh your bulk coffee and candy during the checkout process.

TO REMOVE AN ITEM:

Press the remove button and scan the tiem

The item will be removed from the scanner and the total will be adjusted.

PAY & GO

When finished shopping, proceed to the checkout lane.

Scan the “End of Order” barcode at the checkout area.

Place the SCAN IT! scanner in the return rack at checkout.

Scan your Stop&SHOP card at the checkout register and follow the on-screen instructions to complete your transaction.

Pay and Go!!

Editor’s Note: TOO COMPLICATED. I will just stick with the OLD way of shopping.

Here is a link to the SCAN IT! program and a short video explaining just how EASY it works!! HMM!!

Click here for SCAN IT! story and  video

That is all for now!!