GREENSBORO, N.C.—Pete’s of Erie Inc. is rolling out Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s Passport Express Lane self-checkout systems in all 50 of its c-stores across Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma, positioning them near existing cashier stations and deploying employee ambassadors who can assist customers as needed.

“Busy stores create new challenges in the shopping experience and we’re no different,” said Doug Mercer, information technology director, Pete’s. “Self-checkout allows us to maintain the standards our customers have come to expect. We chose Express Lane for its intuitive design and c-store specific features, including fuel purchasing.”

Express Lane offers a range of functions made for the unique scenarios c-stores experience including pre-pay and post-pay fuel sales. This allows customers to pump gas, scan items and even order food all in one transaction, Gilbarco Veeder-Root noted. Self-checkout helps to shorten wait times at the front counter and free up team members for other valuable tasks like stocking shelves and maintaining cleanliness standards.

“Self-checkout is not a new concept for shoppers, but it is new to the c-store environment,” said Mike Brenner, product marketing manager, Gilbarco Veeder-Root. “A successful self-checkout launch requires a team effort, and of course, the right tools for the job. Pete’s of Erie is a prime example of how retailers should implement and execute self-checkout strategies in the c-store setting.”

Pete’s, based in Parsons, Kansas, is also installing CPI Paypod cash recyclers to ensure all forms of payment including cash, card, and contactless options, are available to customers.

For practical advice on how to incorporate self-checkout technology in c-stores, read “Self-Checkout Strategies” in the March 2022 issue of NACS Magazine.