Self-service trends in 2010

By the end of 2009, there were almost 30 000 DVD-vending kiosks deployed, with more on the way. This application likely has surpassed the photo kiosk as the second-most visible symbol of self-service working, next to grocery self-checkout, writes SelfServiceWorld.

Anticipating the next such 'big thing' keeps those in the kiosk industry busy following the tweets and news in the hope of catching the next wave. A roundup of 2010's potential suspects, divided into three market groups - maturing, growth and new drivers - reveals some important trends.

One of these is coupon, incentive and loyalty applications, which are poised to grow right alongside the mobile revolution. Being able to download coupons in the home or at the store and then redeem them at checkout is an exciting application.

Self-service pumps could be a feature at gas stations across the UAE by next year, reports Emirates Business.

The Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) said in a statement that it is evaluating the possible introduction of a modern self-serve concept as an option for motorists buying fuel across its network of stations in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The company recently invested Dh50 million (R100 million) in a new retail automation system to modernise and automate all its Enoc and Eppco service stations, and enhance customer service, operational efficiency and environmental performance, the statement said.

Self-serve checkouts have sparked fears that the days of the checkout girl were numbered, that a feature of British supermarket shopping for more than half a century was coming to an end - and this week those fears, if not quite realised, were stoked even further, says Times Online.

NCR, the American technology company behind 80% of the UK's self-service checkouts, has predicted another bumper year in 2010, forecasting a 50% increase in UK sales of the self-service scanning machines that have become a feature of stores nationwide. Some 7 000 have been installed in supermarkets since their introduction in 2002.

According to Elton Birden, MD of NCR in Britain: “Self-service checkouts will revolutionise retail in the same way that self-service supermarkets did 60 years ago. It's going to be a combination of existing customers rolling out and new users. It's still a small percentage of the overall checkout.”