Starting from Monday, customers at the K-Citymarket in Tammisto, Vantaa, can test a new payment method that allows them to use their smartphones to scan their grocery items. This pilot program by the K-Group enables customers to scan barcodes directly using the K-Ruoka app, facilitating a quicker and more personalized shopping experience. After scanning, customers can pack their groceries into bags and either pay at a traditional cashier or at a self-service checkout by scanning a final barcode generated by the app.

The initiative also includes specific conditions: customers can scan all store products except for those marked with a red label, which usually indicates clearance items. Additionally, products that require age verification can also be scanned, whereupon store staff will check the customer's age. Kimmo Sivonen, the owner of the Tammisto K-Citymarket, encourages shoppers to try this innovative payment method, emphasizing the aim to create the best possible shopping experience for customers.

This pilot aligns with similar initiatives in other retail chains, such as Lidl, which are also exploring mobile scanning technology. As retail environments continue to evolve with technology, this new approach may enhance customer convenience and operational efficiency, potentially leading to wider adoption across more stores in the future.