GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZZM) -- It's the only one of its kind in use anywhere - and Meijer has it in Jenison.
"It" is a next-generation checkout station. Meijer says waiting in checkout lines is one of its customers' top complaints. Spokesman Frank Guglielmi says the carousel type machine aims at reducing wait times.
The NCR machine was installed this week. It features 16 cameras that scan items no matter how they are placed on the conveyor belt. They're routed into one of three collection areas.
The process prevents the uncomfortable waits endured by the people behind you in line. They can scan away while you or an attendant is bagging your goods.
Kathy Brock, shopping Friday at the store, described why the machine was designed:"I like to bag myself but I always feel like the people behind me are hurrying me so now there are three people that can go at the same time and I don't feel as hurried."
This is only a test for Meijer; it has has not yet decided whether to keep the machine at the store or expand it to others.
