M&S triples number of stores offering checkout-free experience

The expansion is the latest step in the retailer’s transformation plans to create digitally connected stores under its Never the Same Again programme. This includes offering a great digital shopping experience in store – from good customer WiFi, to a well-positioned click-and-collect desk, to helpful services such as Mobile Pay Go – which offers customers a checkout-free shopping experience up to the value of £30.

The retailer has reported a significant move towards contact-free shopping during the Covid-19 pandemic – with more than 10,000 new regular users of Mobile Pay Go coming on board since March.

Helen Milford, director of stores at M&S, said: “This rollout takes our increasingly popular Mobile Pay Go technology nationwide for the first time, allowing more customers to enjoy a seamless checkout-free experience through the M&S app. With more customers starting to return to the workplace, this provides a quick and convenient lunchtime solution – making it easy to pop in, grab your items and be on your way.”

M&S is supporting the extension of the service with extensive décor and point of sale at all 310 stores, inviting customers to download the app and give Mobile Pay Go a try. Customers are also invited to refer a friend to the technology; both they and their friend will be rewarded with £1 off their next Mobile Pay Go shop.

The retailer has also relaunched Sparks – its digital-first loyalty programme. The scheme promises a more personalised experience with instant rewards, a wider selection of charities to support, and more tailored personal offers.