Diana Hunter, future stores manager at Sainsbury’s
The first supermarket vending machine in the UK has opened for business in Greater Manchester.
The 24-hour-a-day, four-metre-high robo-shop fits in the wall of the Sainsbury’s store in Hazel Grove near Stockport.
It is monitored by CCTV and dispenses 150 items including fresh milk.
The idea is part of a pilot which could eventually be copied at stores across the country.
‘Absolutely delighted’
Sainsbury’s spokesperson Greg Dawson said: “There is no timescale but we will ask customers what they think and if the machine is successful we may roll it out.”
Customer surveys have resulted in a number of other services being piloted at the store.
For £5, someone to shop for you while you use an in-store internet cafe.
For £2.50, someone to process your shopping at the checkout.
A drive-in service so you can pick up goods after ordering them online from home
An area for children to play
Television screens where football can be watched on Saturdays
Diana Hunter, future stores manager at Sainsbury’s said: “We were impressed with the ideas… we are absolutely delighted with the new store.”
“We are confident our customers are going to be as pleased as we are.”
