Stop & Shop Handheld Scanners: Was Not Sure About This One

About one month ago, I went into my local Stop & Shop grocery store. I normally don't shop at this store but since it was open 24 hours, it was late, and I needed to get something, it was my choice that evening. When I entered, there was a rack of gun looking devices near the door. There was a clerk there to assist and explain the service. It is a new device that you take with you as you shop and scan the groceries in the aisles. You then bag your items in the shopping cart while you are shopping.

At first, I thought this was a gimmic or some marketing ploy. However, after listening to the clerk describe what it did, I realized it might be helpful. It is a time savings product that allows you to multi-task while shopping! The device also shows you things that are on sale and items pop up based on your walk through the store. When you go by something that is on sale, the device has a "cash register" cha-ching sound to alert you there is a sale item. It is really pretty cool!

When you are done shopping, you can go to the self check out or a regular register. You then scan the UPC code on the sign at the register. This downloads the information from the handheld scanner to the register. The cashier then asks for your store card and any coupons. If you go through the self check-out, you still scan the sign and then complete the rest of your transaction with coupons and payment.

I was very skeptical about this new "gadget::, but figured I would give it a try. I went to the store again and took the handheld scanner and went shopping. As I purchased produce, it was very easy. You bag what you want to purchase, bring it to the scale, weigh it, and print out a sticker. Place the sticker on the bag of produce, scan it, and put it in the bag in your cart. Next, I went to the other aisles, where I easily scanned items, removed them when I decided I did not want them, and scanned others.

When I got up to the register, the self check out was closed. I used the regular cashier manned check-out and it was extremely easy. The UPC code was on the cardboard near the register, I scanned it, paid and was on my way. I definitely like the idea of not having someone bag my groceries. The store where I usually purchase my groceries is a small local store, and I usually bag my own. When I have gone to Stop & Shop in the past, I have gone to the self checkout so I could bag the groceries.

All in all, I think this is a great device. It is time savings, and my children love to use it, too. It keeps them busy, helps me, and saves time! Win-Win-Win!