Morrisons will be installing thousands of AI-powered cameras across UK stores in a bid to boost staff efficiency.
The supermarket, which carried out a trial and found the cameras boosted staff efficiency and product availability, is the first UK retailer to integrate the technology.
The cameras are able to provide real-time data on shelves across the store, automatically directing staff to shelves where stock is running low.
Morrisons Chief Executive Rami Baitiéh told The Grocer: “In January I outlined our plan to reinvigorate, refresh and strengthen Morrisons as we started our next chapter.”
“Those plans are now in full swing with the whole business engaged in the three key pillars of work that will be the foundation of the future for Morrisons: commercial excellence, operations optimisation and new value creation.”
The trial of the AI cameras saw a significant rise in stock availability scores, which in turn could lead to staff being freed up to prioritise customer service, The Grocer reports.
Tesco introduces new 10p charge at checkouts
Morrisons is not the only supermarket to be making a change, with Tesco introducing a 10p charge at checkouts as part of a new trial.
The supermarket giant is testing a new pilot scheme that sees customers given the option to buy a clothes hanger for 10p anytime they purchase F&F clothing.
Customers will be given the choice to either purchase the hanger, or it will be reused by the store.
A small number of stores are taking part in the trial, though Tesco did not confirm which stores or how many.
One customer took to Reddit to label it as a “sneaky charge being imposed on customers”.
They said: “So, was in Tesco today, got some swimming clothes for the kids and my wife got a dress.
“Went through the scan as you shop and paid, went to get the tags taken off and was told it's 10p for a clothes hanger or they could take it for us.
“Now I work at this store, and I've never heard of this. I've also never seen anything around the store or around the clothes section.
“So either someone is trying to earn some extra Dosh or it's a sneaky charge being imposed on customers. Has anyone else had this?"
However, others backed the trial, arguing it was “surely a good thing” as it would reduce plastic waste and the only people taking the hanger would be people who needed it.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel