Retail Solutions - Lifestore unveils first non-food self-checkouts

Marks & Spencer has installed three self-checkout lanes at its Lifestore in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. The move is the first instance of self-checking out moving out of the grocery arena.

Supplier NCR has provided M&S with a larger-format till, which has been designed to cope with items that will not fit into a carrier bag.

'M&S was the first retailer to trial self-checkout units in the UK, at our MetroCentre store,' said M&S area manager Richard Austin. 'We are now the first to trial them in a standalone homewares store.'

The tills are placed alongside the store's traditional checkouts and are permanently manned by a member of staff, who can give assistance if necessary.

M&S is also testing self-checkout systems in the food departments of 14 other stores.