Rising labour costs, unpredictable footfall, and growing customer expectations have put supermarkets and convenience stores under pressure to deliver more with less. For many UK retailers, especially those running grocery shops, minimarts, or local supermarkets, efficiency isn't just a competitive edge—it's a necessity. But how do you keep operations lean without compromising service quality? Smart automation.

Self-service kiosks have emerged as a reliable way to cut costs, boost efficiency, and enhance customer experience all at once. From reducing queuing times to freeing up staff for higher-value tasks, these kiosks are helping retailers work smarter—not harder.

What Are Self-Ordering Kiosks and Why Are They Gaining Popularity?

Self-ordering kiosks are touchscreen terminals that let customers place orders, make payments, and sometimes even scan items—all without staff intervention. While once reserved for fast food chains or large supermarkets, they’re now appearing in independent grocery stores, mini marts, and even petrol station shops across the UK.

Why the shift? Because today’s customers value speed, control, and flexibility.

How Kiosks Help Cut Costs and Improve Efficiency

Key drivers of adoption in retail:

• Rising labour costs and staff shortages
• Increased demand for contactless and queue-free shopping
• The need to offer consistent service across busy hours

Retailers who adopt kiosks aren’t replacing staff—they’re reassigning them to more strategic roles like restocking, customer assistance, or merchandising.

One of the clearest advantages of self-ordering kiosks is cost reduction. But it’s not just about saving on wages. Kiosks help optimise operations in several ways:

• Shorter queues and faster transactions mean you can serve more customers without hiring more staff.
• Automated upselling prompts can increase basket value with no extra training or effort.
• Reduced human error in order-taking and checkout processes lowers the chance of costly mistakes.
• Accurate data capture allows better stock planning and fewer losses from over-ordering or wastage.

For example, some retailers using Kleo’s self-ordering kiosks have reported smoother lunchtime peaks, allowing them to run with fewer front-line staff while maintaining service quality.

Improving the Customer Experience Without Increasing Staff

Customers today are more digitally confident than ever. Many prefer the autonomy of a self-service option, especially when they’re in a hurry or just picking up a few items.

By offering kiosks, you’re giving them choice—while keeping service levels high.

Here’s what kiosks can offer your customers:

• Reduced waiting time, even during peak hours
• A modern and consistent interface that avoids miscommunication
• Private ordering, especially for sensitive purchases

You can also maintain a hybrid setup—keep a staffed till open while giving the self-service option to those who prefer it. This dual approach enhances flexibility for all types of shoppers.

Real-World Applications: How UK Grocers Are Using Kiosks

Retailers of all sizes across the UK are turning to kiosk technology. In busy city-centre grocery shops, self-service points keep queues moving even during peak hours. In suburban minimarts, they offer a cost-effective way to serve customers during off-peak hours with fewer staff.

Here’s how some use cases look:

• Supermarkets: Use self-ordering kiosks for added floor space and reduced queue times.
• Convenience stores: Enable checkout or product lookup during night hours with minimal staff present.
• Petrol station shops: Reduce queues at the counter by allowing kiosk-based ordering for food, drinks, or pre-packaged goods.

Systems like Kleo’s self-ordering kiosk can be customised to suit different layouts and product types, making them ideal for the varied formats found in the UK retail sector.

Getting Started with Self-Ordering Kiosks

Ready to explore kiosks for your store? Start by thinking about:

• Where in the store it makes most sense to deploy them (checkout, deli area, meal deals?)
• How many kiosks you need to balance traffic
• Staff training, so they can assist or manage kiosk usage when needed
• System integration—ensure the kiosk links smoothly to your POS, stock system, and reporting tools

A scalable system like Kleo can grow with your business, and its customisable interface means you’re not locked into a generic solution.

In the UK’s fast-moving retail landscape, doing more with less isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Self-ordering kiosks offer supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores a real opportunity to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and stay ahead of customer expectations.

Whether you run a corner shop or a high-traffic supermarket, introducing kiosk technology could be the upgrade your store needs to stay competitive—and keep customers coming back.