Scott's Food & Pharmacy, Crook's Marketplace Test Biometric Payment
FT. WAYNE, Ind. & SENOIA, Ga. - Grocers Scott's Food & Pharmacy and Crook's Marketplace yesterday began pilots of biometric payment systems.
Scott's installed the systems, from San Francisco-based Pay By Touch, at four of its stores in northeast Indiana. Crook's Marketplace and installed the system in its supermarket and its Hit & Run convenience store.
(Story continues below.)
The Pay By Touch system uses a finger scan to debit a shopper's checking account just like using a check or debit card.
"We are always looking for creative and innovative ways to improve our customers' shopping experiences," said Bill Gillispie, general manager, Scott's Food & Pharmacy. "Pay By Touch increases shoppers' privacy and security while offering the convenience of faster checkouts."
Scotts is the first chain to adopt Pay By Touch's biometric payment service in Northwest Indiana. Following the pilot, the finger scan system will be implemented in Scott's 14 other grocery stores in a month-long launch starting November 7. Scott's Food & Pharmacy operates 18 full-service stores in northeast Indiana, and is owned and operated by SuperValu.
At Cook's, in a special introductory offer shoppers who enroll in the finger scan system will receive a free half gallon of Mayfield ice cream, and get $5 off their next purchase when they spend $25 or more using the system. Those that enroll at the Hit N' Run convenience store will get a free fountain drink and candy bar at enrollment and, after their third use, a free 12-pack of Coke or Pepsi products. Customers also will receive a 3-cent off discount on each gallon of gas purchased using the system through the end of November.
"The new system debits a shopper's checking account just like writing a check or using a debit card," said Greg Crook, owner. "The difference is that finger scans are more secure than paper checks, and there is no need to fumble with a wallet or purse."
Signing up for Pay By Touch requires a picture ID, voided check, and secure finger scan. The system is free, and customer information is never sold. Once enrolled, shoppers can make purchases with the touch of a finger at any participating retailer.
Scott's installed the systems, from San Francisco-based Pay By Touch, at four of its stores in northeast Indiana. Crook's Marketplace and installed the system in its supermarket and its Hit & Run convenience store.
(Story continues below.)
The Pay By Touch system uses a finger scan to debit a shopper's checking account just like using a check or debit card.
"We are always looking for creative and innovative ways to improve our customers' shopping experiences," said Bill Gillispie, general manager, Scott's Food & Pharmacy. "Pay By Touch increases shoppers' privacy and security while offering the convenience of faster checkouts."
Scotts is the first chain to adopt Pay By Touch's biometric payment service in Northwest Indiana. Following the pilot, the finger scan system will be implemented in Scott's 14 other grocery stores in a month-long launch starting November 7. Scott's Food & Pharmacy operates 18 full-service stores in northeast Indiana, and is owned and operated by SuperValu.
At Cook's, in a special introductory offer shoppers who enroll in the finger scan system will receive a free half gallon of Mayfield ice cream, and get $5 off their next purchase when they spend $25 or more using the system. Those that enroll at the Hit N' Run convenience store will get a free fountain drink and candy bar at enrollment and, after their third use, a free 12-pack of Coke or Pepsi products. Customers also will receive a 3-cent off discount on each gallon of gas purchased using the system through the end of November.
"The new system debits a shopper's checking account just like writing a check or using a debit card," said Greg Crook, owner. "The difference is that finger scans are more secure than paper checks, and there is no need to fumble with a wallet or purse."
Signing up for Pay By Touch requires a picture ID, voided check, and secure finger scan. The system is free, and customer information is never sold. Once enrolled, shoppers can make purchases with the touch of a finger at any participating retailer.