M&S launches instant payment tech to drive festive grocery sales

The retailer has launched a new on-the-spot digital payment solution called Pay With Me across 200 stores following a successful trial in seven of its branches.

The technology allows M&S shop floor staff to select shoppers queuing to pay for a small number of items and allow them to process payment on the spot with a handheld device.

M&S has said the technology is intended to maximise the number of shoppers that are able to enter a store while maintaining necessary social distancing by cutting down queuing times.

The technology rollout comes as many shoppers are forced to replan their Christmas celebrations due to the new tier four regulations in London and the Southeast, which have forbidden customers to leave the region or form Christmas bubbles with other households.

M&S stores director Helen Milford said: “Throughout the year, our teams have done a fantastic job of adapting quickly to serve our customers through challenging and changing circumstances. 

“In preparation for Christmas, we have put in place extensive measures to make shopping quicker, easier and safer for everyone – from our longest ever opening hours through to digital queue-busting solutions such as our new Pay with Me, now in over 200 stores.

“In these final few days we’re focused on delivering for our customers to help them make the most of their Christmas, however they might be celebrating.”