Kmart trials 'click and collect' self-service machine at Melbourne store
Discount retail giant Kmart is trialling a new 'click and collect' self-service machine which brings customers their order with the help of warehouse robotics.
The new self-service machine is now in operation at Kmart's Eastland store in Ringwood, Melbourne, and will be trialled alongside a number of other new services over the next year.
"At Kmart Eastland, our automated Click and Collect system trial is designed to create a simple, quick experience with a self-service kiosk - where customers get their products delivered automatically via warehouse robotics that work behind the scenes," Kmart and Target general manager of property Ben Smith told 9news.com.au in a statement.
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The new 'Click and Collect' kiosk now operating at the Eastland store. Kmart Australia
The same store is also trialling a new "select and collect kiosk" for customers shopping for big and bulky items, Smith said.
Customers select their product at the kiosk and then collect them with the store's "direct to boot service" to avoid having to carry large and heavy items around the shops.
Smith said Kmart was committed to "making shopping a more seamless and convenient experience".
"We're looking forward to hearing the valuable feedback from our Eastland customers as we test and learn from these trials," he said.
The 'select and collect' service is designed to help customers avoid the inconvenience of carrying large items around the shop. Kmart Australia
The move from Kmart comes at a time when some supermarkets overseas are pulling back on their use of self-service checkouts due to a customer backlash and rising theft as the cost of living makes groceries more unaffordable.
Earlier this month, British supermarket chain Booths announced it was removing self-checkout stations in all but two of its 28 stores.
In the US, Walmart removed self-checkout machines at some stores in New Mexico earlier this year, due to concerns about theft.
However, experts have said they don't expect the same reaction from retail stores in Australia.
Both Coles and Woolworths said they remain committed to keeping both manned and self-service checkouts available for customers.
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