Trust Retail has installed five self-checkout terminals at East of England Co-op’s new Ipswich Station branch – the retailer’s first fully cashless store.

The 1,500 square foot store, located on the main concourse of Ipswich Station, opened earlier in June and serves commuters on the Great Eastern Main Line, which runs from Norwich to London Liverpool Street.

According to the Office of Rail Regulation, Ipswich Station saw more than three million passengers in 2023/24, including over 666,000 changing trains – ranking it as a major UK station.

Trust Retail has provided a fully autonomous checkout system to help the Co-op manage high passenger demand by eliminating cash handling and aiming to streamline operations. The self-checkouts also support full refunds.

According to Trust Retail, the cashless system delivers faster, more secure payments for customers while reducing cash handling costs for the retailer.

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Rob Smith, technology officer at the East of England Co-op, said: “By implementing Trust Retail’s Self-Checkout technology, and embracing a completely cashless model, we have set a new standard in customer service and operational efficiency.”

The East of England Co-op aims to roll out self-checkouts across its entire estate. The member-owned retailer currently operates more than 120 branches across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.

Mike Dotson, managing director of Trust Retail, added that the cashless store represents the “future of retail”.

He said: “Our Self-Checkout system not only integrates seamlessly but also supports their goal of creating a more efficient and enjoyable shopping experience for their customers. Our technology is designed to create significant in-store efficiencies while enhancing customer journeys through faster transactions and intuitive interfaces, ultimately delivering the frictionless retail experience that today’s shoppers demand.”

Read more: Store profile: East of England Co-op Bishop’s Stortford