Asda has announced it is trialling new ‘Digital Spirits Display Screens’ in twenty-three of its Express stores, in partnership with Diageo, as part of its continued investment in innovation.
The new digital display screens will allow customers in the trial stores to select from a larger choice of spirits, with the stores spirit range increasing from 13 or 26 products to 50 products.
Asda has become one of the first retailers in the UK to trial the screens, which will be located either in place of a shelf at eye level or displayed as a side unit in the alcohol aisle and have touch screen interactive technology built in, as well as an integrated printer.
Customers will first be asked to confirm they’re over 18-years of age before selecting their choice of spirit. Once selected, the interactive screen will print a ticket which is then processed at the checkout. The product will then be picked by an Asda colleague who will authorise the sale following a standard challenge 25 prompt.
Diageo will be installing the screens, which have already been rolled out at Asda Express stores in Hull, Birmingham, Surrey, London and Stoke-on-Trent.
James Laws, senior director channel operations, Asda, said: “As we continue to build our presence in the convenience sector, we are committed to trialling new and innovative technology across our business to continuously improve and modernise shopping experience for our customers.
“The trial of these digital screens in our Asda Express stores places not only emphasis on this, but also highlights that how by working closely with suppliers, we are able to make it more convenient for our customers to shop a greater choice of products.”
Asda has now opened 479 Asda Express stores, as part of its rapid convenience expansion, enabling the retailer to reach the landmark of 1,000 UK sites for the first time in its 59-year history.
The retailer is on track to have 500 Asda Express stores by the end of this year as new ‘standalone’ sites open throughout the UK.
James Halliday, commercial director off-trade, Diageo GB said: “We know that a consistent shopping experience is important to consumers, which is why we are excited to partner with Asda to trial new ‘Digital Spirits Display Screen’, providing greater choice and enhancing the shopping experience in an innovative and forward-thinking way.
“Trials such as this underpin the importance of industry collaboration across the supplier and retailer base to drive category growth, demonstrating what is possible when brands and retailers work together to enable greater consumer choice and experience.”
