A big change is coming to some of Australia’s most popular retailers that will change the way customers shop in their stores.
Leading fashion retailers are a step closer to going paperless after signing on to switch off paper receipt printing for in-store purchases.
Major brands Scotch & Soda, Converse, Hurley and Peter Sheppard are the latest businesses to offer Slyp Smart Receipts that are sent to consumers via SMS and/or the NAB banking app.
The four retailers have joined the likes of Cue, General Pants, JD Sports and Chemist Warehouse, which agreed earlier this year to reduce their production of paper receipts and use the technology.
Sydney-based technology company Slyp developed the Smart Receipts system.
Co-founder and chief executive Paul Weingrath said the experience was seamless for customers, who paid for their goods as usual and would have their digital itemised receipt issued within seconds.
While NAB was the first bank involved in the roll out, he said other major banks would follow and use the technology in future.
Mr Weingrath, who has worked in the tech sector for most of his career, said the idea came to him after buying items at a hardware store with a smart watch and the worker recommended he take a photo of the paper receipt because it faded after six months.
“The last part of the transaction was left behind while everything else has gone digital,” he said.
“I looked into (the environmental element) and there is so much mindless waste … 93 per cent of receipts are printed on thermal paper and are non recyclable so it’s a big problem.”
Mr Weingrath said Slyp had bank-grade security and reassured customers their personal information was protected.
Chemist Warehouse uses about 15,000 till rolls per month across all stores nationwide and is expected to save at least $200,000 a year by reducing its production of paper receipts in-store.
While the environmental impact was an important factor, the company’s managing partner and director Mark Finocchiaro said customers would also appreciate the convenience of Slyp technology.
“We anticipate that our customers will appreciate what paperless digital receipts will mean for our environment and how convenient a digital ecosystem can be,” he said.
“Not only will the partnership mean we’re printing fewer paper receipts, but we’ll also be able to provide our extensive customer base with a heightened level of convenience that will positively impact their overall shopping experience.”
Peter Sheppard typically used 2.3km of paper each month across its three physical stores and one online store.
Chief executive Chris Sheppard said the pandemic accelerated the company’s long-held plans to digitise and make back-end processes more methodical.
“Our customers are generally supportive of any move that combines the softening of our footprint on the earth and a more efficient and enjoyable shopping experience,” he said.
“They enjoy being given the choice to receive their receipt directly in their bank app, or via SMS, email or paper, however we are seeing an overwhelming shift towards the digital options.”
Originally published as Major retailers going paperless, issuing receipts via SMS or banking app
For all the latest business News Click Here
