Since 2021, METRO Ukraine has been implementing the innovative METRO Fast Line service, significantly reshaping the shopping experience at its Multichannel Fulfillment Centers (MFCs).
How METRO Fast Line Works:
- Scan as you go: Customers can scan products directly on the sales floor using the METRO Fast Line mobile app (available on Android and iOS) or via dedicated handheld scanners located at the MFC entrance.
- Seamless verification: Items collected in the cart are verified on a special weighing platform, eliminating the need to unload them onto a conveyor belt.
- Quick payment: To finalize the purchase, customers utilize a payment tower, allowing for a rapid conclusion to their shopping trip.
Innovation that Meets the Demands of the Times
At first glance, this service may seem like a standard technological upgrade. However, METRO Fast Line represents the company’s commitment not merely to process improvement, but to the complete digitalization of the purchasing experience for clients in Ukraine.
This innovation has proven especially vital in the context of the pandemic and air raid alerts. The service enables customers to finalize purchases rapidly — even when centers must close due to an alert — providing a critical level of convenience and efficiency.
Implementation and Scaling
The first pilot of METRO Fast Line launched at the Kyiv MFC in 2021. Since then, the service has gained significant popularity, evidenced by over 930,000 uses in three years.
Currently, METRO Fast Line operates in 15 malls across Ukraine, and the company plans to expand this solution to four additional locations by the end of 2026.
Results and Achievements
The service’s performance metrics are impressive: the average time for purchase confirmation and payment is just 2 minutes. Furthermore, 70% of clients who try the service return to use it again, confirming its convenience and market demand.
The technology also leverages Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for purchase validation, minimizing errors and accelerating transaction processing. This ensures the payment process is as fast and efficient as possible.
A Look into the Future
METRO Fast Line is just the beginning for METRO Ukraine in the context of digitizing the wholesale market. This service not only simplifies the buying process but also raises customer service benchmarks to new standards.
Through innovation, METRO Ukraine is not only staying ahead of the curve but is also shaping a new culture of shopping in Ukraine, where digitalization and customer convenience are the top priorities.