Countdown is now trialling contactless technology that can improve customer experience as demand for online shopping continues to grow.

Starting today, shoppers can collect their groceries using the country’s first robotic temperature-controlled locker at Countdown’s Cambridge and Pukekohe South stores. The two stores were chosen to test the technology due to the increased demand for pickup orders in their areas last year.

Countdown’s personal shopper team places the orders in a temperature-controlled locker, which are then sorted and dispensed automatically when a customer enters their unique code. The 10sqm unit lockers can hold more than 30 customer orders at a time. 

Countdown’s general manager of brand and CountdownX, Sally Copland, says the robotic pickup option is another step in Countdown’s quest to increase Kiwi shoppers’ convenience.

“Our online customers are looking for ultimate convenience and choice for their grocery shopping – demand for both delivery and pick up has rapidly increased, prompting us to look into self-service options to have pickup orders ready in a matter of seconds,” said Sally.

“Launching this technology in New Zealand is exciting for our customers but what’s even more exciting is what it could mean for the future of grocery in New Zealand.”

Countdown is looking to install the units at transport hubs, small city-central nooks and other locations, bringing the supermarket to customers whenever it’s most convenient for them.

And, the new units are just one of the options Countdown is investigating for additional customer convenience. Automated self-serve frozen, fresh and dry eLockers are already installed in the car parks of its Auckland City, Newtown and Takapuna stores.