Shoppers Favor Self-Checkout: Speed and Savings Take Center Stage
NCR Voyix Corporation (NYSE: VYX), a prominent name in digital commerce solutions for the retail and restaurant sectors, recently released pivotal insights from its 2025 Commerce Experience Report. This report highlights how consumer purchasing behaviors in grocery, fuel convenience, and dining sectors are evolving.
Why Shoppers Prefer Self-Checkout
It's no surprise that shoppers are leaning towards self-checkout systems, primarily for the speed they offer. Around 77% of consumers have expressed a preference for using these systems, highlighting that they are quicker compared to traditional staffed lanes. Additionally, 36% of shoppers find self-checkout appealing due to its shorter lines, while another 43% enjoy the ability to bag their items on their own.
Examining generational trends, both Gen Z and Millennials show a strong inclination towards self-checkout. It's noteworthy that 63% of Gen Z consumers aged 18 to 29 prefer self-checkout, alongside 45% of Millennials from ages 30 to 44.
Interestingly, 60% of shoppers who typically avoid self-checkout stated they would be more interested if grocery stores allowed checking out with more than 15 items.
Grocers Use Smart Tech to Combat Shrink
As retailers strive to reduce shrinkage, the implementation of smart technology at checkout is becoming more prevalent, and consumers are taking notice. The following technologies have recently been observed by consumers during their shopping trips:
- 42% have seen systems with cameras that detect items skipped during scanning and prompt users to re-scan.
- 32% noted the use of scanners capable of recognizing different types of produce.
- 28% have encountered age and ID verification technology.
- 12% reported the use of smart carts or baskets that utilize computer vision to avoid the need for barcode scanning, employing cameras and weight sensors to identify products.
Savings and Personalization Drive Loyalty
With many consumers anticipating an increase in their grocery bills by 2025, a significant majority—54%—are keeping an eye on their spending. Year over year, there’s been an increase in those seeking the best deals and rewards programs, rising from 46% last year to 56% this year.
Moreover, loyalty programs in grocery stores attract 70% of survey participants, which is higher than those engaged with fuel convenience (54%) and restaurants (51%). Of those enrolled in grocery rewards, 75% receive personalized offers daily or weekly.
Playing Favorites in Fuel Convenience
The fuel convenience sector is also gaining attention, with 53% of consumers reporting they have gone out of their way to visit certain gas stations due to favorable convenience stores.
Reasons for their preference vary, with 27% gravitating towards specific food options, 37% valuing loyalty programs, and 36% appreciating the ease of payment methods.
Dining Differently
Similarly, rising costs are influencing dining habits. A staggering 84% of consumers now prefer limited-service restaurants to stretch their budgets further.
In recent months, 35% of individuals have opted for fast-casual dining over 5 times, while only 26% have visited full-service restaurants as frequently.
Inflation has also altered delivery behaviors, with 55% of participants reducing their delivery usage, steadily shifting to either fewer orders or more affordable restaurant options.
Additionally, higher food prices have had an impact on tipping practices, with 56% of respondents either tipping less or only tipping at sit-down or full-service establishments.
When queried about desired technologies in restaurants, a significant number indicated a preference for self-service kiosks (39%), table-side ordering (37%), and convenient digital payment options (32%).
The Future of Customer Experiences
As consumer expectations evolve, there is a clear demand for smarter technology, enhanced checkout experiences, and product personalization in retail and dining. David Wilkinson, the CEO of NCR Voyix, emphasized the importance of focusing on customer experience, stating that businesses can thrive by integrating more technology that simplifies transactions while delivering personalized rewards.
“Restaurants and convenience stores that provide quality products at competitive prices will definitely see the benefits,” Wilkinson noted. As the landscape continues to shift, businesses are expected to adapt further by embracing technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge.
About NCR Voyix
NCR Voyix Corporation (NYSE: VYX) stands as a leading provider of digital commerce solutions tailored for the retail and restaurant sectors. Headquartered in Atlanta, the company serves a wide range of customers across over 30 countries, continually innovating to enhance the retail and dining experiences through comprehensive SaaS solutions and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What did the NCR Voyix report reveal about shopper preferences?
The report showed that 77% of shoppers prefer self-checkout primarily for its speed.
2. Which generations are leading the trend towards self-checkout?
Gen Z and Millennial shoppers are the largest users of self-checkout systems.
3. What technologies are grocery stores using at checkout?
Grocery stores are implementing cameras, scanners capable of recognizing produce, and smart carts to enhance the checkout process.
4. How are consumer loyalties changing in grocery shopping?
More shoppers are seeking loyalty programs and personalized offers, with 70% participating in grocery store loyalty programs.
5. What changes in dining habits have been noted due to inflation?
Higher prices have led 84% of consumers to prefer limited-service restaurants, with many cutting back on delivery and tipping.
