Central England Co-op to trial 'extra time' checkouts

The Central England Co-operative is launching a trial of ‘relaxed’ checkouts for customers who need additional time when shopping.

Designated ‘extra time’ checkouts at three of its food stores in Derbyshire and Leicestershire will give ‘vulnerable’ customers extra support when shopping. The society hopes the elderly, those with mental health needs or social anxiety, those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia, and people with autism will benefit from this pilot scheme.

Checkout employees at the stores have undergone training to help them identify such customers’ additional needs, and will operate tills at a speed to suit individual shoppers.

The initiative, part of the society’s ongoing commitment to break down the taboo of mental health, will take place for three weeks from 27 August. The lanes will be clearly signposted with posters and will be in operation from 10am to noon every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.”We are really proud to be trialling the ‘extra time’ checkout project,” said Ripley store manager Gavin Glidewell. “There will be no rush or pressure to get items on to the conveyor belt and packed away at the other end. Whether a customer has a medical condition which requires them to take things a little easier, or they value an extra couple of minutes to chat to their checkout colleague, we want them to be confident they can shop at their own pace when visiting a store. Everyone here hopes this provides a happier shopping experience for people who need a little bit of extra time at the checkout.”

Paul Edwards, director of clinical services at Dementia UK, said: “This thoughtful move from our partners at the Central England Co-Operative will really help people with dementia and other issues in their day-to-day lives. Going through a shop checkout can be a fast, noisy experience, which can be quite unsettling for someone living with dementia. The ‘extra time’ checkout is an excellent initiative to make people with dementia feel welcome and respected, while helping them to live fulfilling, independent lives.”