Tesco is moving into the direction of becoming digitized

The renowned British multinational grocery store “Tesco” is moving in the direction of becoming cashless. As a result of the digitization today, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies are transforming into a reliance on everything digital.

As of right now, Tesco is highly reliant on contactless means for payment. Methods of payments in store include Apple Pay, debit and credit cards, contactless cards, and Tesco club cards. Whilst it is still possible to use cash at the moment in Tesco stores across the UK, it is more convenient and common to use contactless methods while checking out.

It is speculated that large supermarkets like Tesco may soon ditch cash as a method of payment. Instead, they will rely on contactless methods of payment and digitized means. Examples include fingerprint, the online Tesco mobile app, and even facial recognition.

Any customers with a Tesco Clubcard can now apply to a Tesco Clubcard Plus. This advanced feature of the card is used as a debit card by Tesco. The way it works is that customers can transfer money from their UK bank accounts to their Tesco Clubcard Plus. That way customers can use their card to purchase any items from the grocery store digitally. 

Two years ago, Tesco opened its first checkout-free store in Holborn in central London. In practice, the customers begin by downloading the Tesco app on their mobile devices. When they enter the store, shopper’s check-in by scanning their barcode. Customers can shop and purchase any items without the need to check-out when leaving. With the help of sensors and cameras, the system automatically notifies what products and items the customers have bought. Customers get charged directly through the Tesco mobile app and receive a digital online receipt afterward. 

Tesco is not the only company to be heading into the direction of digitization. Similarly, Amazon has also opened its own grocery store “Amazon Fresh” to be a checkout-free store. Through Amazon Fresh, one is given a QR code through the Amazon mobile app to scan when entering the store. The method is the same, shoppers simply take the items they wish to purchase and exit the store with the price being charged from their cards through the app.

This digitization of supermarkets can be seen as one of the major steps of society transforming into a more digital one. It is expected that the digitization of Tesco, and all grocery stores, to expand over the upcoming years.