Asda trials new ‘Digital Spirits’ interactive screens amid innovation push – Retail Gazette

Asda is trialling new ‘Digital sSpirits display screens’ across 23 of its Express stores, under its continued investment in innovation. The new digital display screens, launched in partnership with beverage company Diageo, will allow shoppers to select from a larger choice of spirits, with the stores’ range increasing from 13 or 26 products to 50 products. The supermarket is one of the first UK retailers to trial the screens, which have already been rolled out in its Express stores across Hull, Birmingham, Surrey, London and Stoke-on-Trent. The screens will be located either in place of a shelf at eye level or displayed as a side unit in the alcohol aisle, and have touch screen interactive technology built in as well as an integrated printer. Shoppers at the grocery giant will be required to confirm they’re over 18-years-old before selecting their spirit. Once selected, the interactive screens will print a ticket for the customer which can then be processed at the checkout. The product will then be picked by an Asda staff member who will authorise the sale following a standard challenge 25 prompt. Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
 Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning Asda senior director channel operations James Laws said: “As we continue to build our presence in the convenience sector, we are committed to trialling new and innovative technology across our business to continuously improve and modernise shopping experience for our customers. “The trial of these digital screens in our Asda Express stores places not only emphasis on this, but also highlights that how by working closely with suppliers, we are able to make it more convenient for our customers to shop a greater choice of products.” The full list of stores introducing the screens includes Asda Express Buckingham, Asda Express Cannock, and Asda Express Stevenage. Earlier this week, Asda chief financial officer Michael Gleeson dismissed reports that its owners were looking to sell the supermarket. Speaking to The Times, Gleeson assured that the grocer’s billionaire owners the Issa brothers and private equity firm TDR Capital had a track record “of growth and investing for the long run”. Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter