Latest news with #selfservice
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Major change coming to Australia Post that could see you beat the queues for good
Australia Post is revolutionising how Australians send, receive, and return parcels with the launch of its new, modern-format parcel centres. Designed to ease congestion at traditional post offices, these dedicated hubs will offer 24/7 self-service options and secure, free-to-use parcel lockers available around the clock. Focused exclusively on parcel services, these next-generation centres will not provide banking or other traditional post office functions. Customers can collect or return online purchases around the clock, and trial sites also feature 24/7 accessible vending machines stocked with packaging, stamps and other mailing essentials. Australia Post launched two of its new parcel centres on Tuesday, with the first locations now open in Waterloo in Sydney and Fitzroy in Melbourne. The rollout is set to continue, with the next centres scheduled to open in St Leonards in Sydney and Chadstone in Melbourne, as part of a broader national expansion. The initial locations were chosen based on parcel volume data, local sending and receiving trends, and their proximity to existing Post Offices. Staff will be available on-site between 8am and 6pm, while all self-serve and locker facilities remain accessible at any time. The move comes in response to a surge in parcel volumes, driven largely by the growth of eCommerce and major online shopping events. During the 2024 Black Friday and Cyber Weekend sales alone, Australia Post handled over 100million parcels, a record-breaking increase compared to the previous year. With online shopping showing no signs of slowing, Australia Post says the new parcel-focused model is a necessary step to meet growing demand. The launch of the new parcel centres comes as more turn to the Australia Post app. Over 6.4million people used the app last financial year to track deliveries and access parcel lockers. Australia Post is encouraging shoppers to download the app, especially as scam texts continue to rise.
The Sun
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Pizza Hut to make a HUGE change at all 136 dine-in restaurants with dozens of jobs sliced
PIZZA Hut is rolling out new digital ordering screens across all 136 of its dine-in restaurants, a move that could make over 100 staff members redundant. The pizza chain, which employs 3,000 staff, is set to cut 120 front-end roles as part of the shake-up. 1 The new terminals at the front of restaurants will make it quicker for customers to order. A letter to staff at risk of redundancy said: "Over the coming months we are introducing new customer-facing technologies across our restaurants, including digital ordering through QR codes and the installation of in-store kiosks. "These changes are designed to enhance the customer experience and allow guests to be more self-sufficient when dining with us." Other chains such as Wetherspoons and Nando's have already installed similar screens or offer QR code ordering from the table. Emily Curtis from DC London Pie, which owns Pizza Hut UK's dine-in restaurants, explained that the decision to cut jobs is due to more than 60% of in-store orders now being placed digitally. She said the company has invested heavily in new technologies to keep up with changing customer preferences. "As part of this journey, we are adapting our staffing model, particularly in our front-of-house teams," she added. "While these decisions are never easy, they are necessary to ensure we continue meeting customer expectations and stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace. "We are committed to supporting affected team members and will work closely with those impacted to help them find new opportunities within the wider Pizza Hut network." The dine-in arm of the restaurant was rescued by private equity firm Directional Capital, which created DC London Pie Ltd to take over the franchise. Major UK pub chain announces sweeping closures & job losses It saved 3,000 jobs and saw the closure of one restaurant. It is separate to the delivery side of the chain, which is owned by Yum! Brands, the US firm that owns KFC. Pizza Hut first arrived in the UK in 1973 and quickly became a favourite with diners. At its height, the chain operated over 260 restaurants nationwide, employing 10,000 staff and welcoming three million customers each month. Some of its most notable creations include the introduction of the pan pizza in 1980, the stuffed crust in 1995, and the re-launch of the pan pizza as the grand pan in 1998. Pan pizzas are baked in a deep, oil-coated dish, giving the crust a deliciously crispy, golden edge and a lightly fried texture on the bottom. Like many businesses, Pizza Hut faced challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. To manage its financial difficulties, the company entered into a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) - a deal with lenders to cut costs and stay afloat. At the time, Pizza Hut had over 240 locations across the UK but was forced to close 29 branches as part of the restructuring plan. What are my rights if I'm made redundant? YOU are entitled to statutory redundancy pay if you have worked for your employer for two years or more. The statutory rate is based on your age, weekly pay and number of years in the job. You will get: Half a week's pay for each full year you worked aged under 22 One week's pay for each full year you worked aged 22 or older, but under 41 One and half week's pay for each full year you worked while aged 41 or older. You cannot be paid less than the statutory amount. If you were made redundant on or after April 6 2025, your weekly pay is capped at £719 and the maximum statutory redundancy pay you can get is £21,570. The government has a calculator on its website to help you work out how much you are owed. You may get more than this statutory amount if your employer has a redundancy scheme. HOSPITALITY WOES The hospitality sector has struggled to bounce back after the pandemic, facing challenges including soaring energy bills, inflation and staff shortages. In January 2023, Byron Burger fell into administration with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Around 12 branches were saved in a rescue deal with Tristar Foods, which is owned by Calveton. The Restaurant Group (TRG), which owned Frankie & Benny's, Chiquito and Wagamama, shut dozens of sites in the same year. It then went on to sell its Frankie & Bennys and Chiquito brands to Cafe Rouge owner The Big Table group in September 2023. Italian restaurant chain Prezzo also closed dozens of sites in the same year. In April 2024, Tasty, the owners of Italian restaurant Wildwood and Dim T, a pan-Asian restaurant, announced plans to exit 20 loss-making restaurants. In the same month, Whitbread revealed plans to slash its chain of branded restaurants across the UK. Meanwhile, TGI Fridays was forced to close 35 locations immediately after falling into administration last October. However, 51 restaurants were rescued through a last-minute pre-pack deal with private equity firms Breal Capital and Calveton UK.
Travel Daily News
13-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Mews survey reveals: The rise of self-check in hotels
Mews research shows 70% of U.S. travelers prefer digital check-in, highlighting growing demand for self-service, personalization, and frictionless hotel experiences. NEW YORK, NEW YORK – The traditional hotel front desk is no longer a must-stop for modern guests, as revealed by new Mews-commissioned research. Seventy percent of American travelers are likely to check themselves into a hotel using an app or a self-service kiosk instead of a traditional front desk. This preference skyrockets to 82% among Gen Z travelers, signaling a fundamental shift in how guests want to interact with hotels. Self-service isn't just about speed – it's a key driver of guest satisfaction and loyalty. In a survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers, frustrations with traditional hotel operations remain clear: 82% of current hotel loyalty members report pain points with existing systems, including lengthy check-in processes, limited flexibility, and outdated service models that fail to meet modern expectations. 'I founded Mews to transform the traditional hotel experience by eliminating the reception desk to allow staff to engage more personally with guests,' said Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews. 'Since bringing Mews Kiosks to hotels in the U.S., 30% of guests check-in via the Kiosk, cutting check-in time by a third and freeing up staff to really welcome their guests and provide remarkable experiences throughout their stay, not to mention the fact that Kiosks drive 25% higher upsells in our hotels today. Waiting in the lobby queue is simply not a hospitable experience for today's travelers, it's another example where if the technology works, guests value convenience over tradition.' U.S Hotels Surpass Global Benchmarks in Digital Adoption Mews' own data shows that U.S. properties are leading the way in self-service: In the U.S., 30% of all reservations among Kiosk-enabled hotels are checked in through Mews Kiosk, versus a global benchmark of 20% 10.5% of total U.S. reservations use the Mews Guest Portal for check-in (compared to the global average of 8.6%), marking a 20% higher preference for online check-in among U.S. guests. Hotels are also seeing measurable benefits. Guests checking in via kiosk are three times more likely to purchase an upsell, generating nearly 70% more upsell revenue per check-in compared to those using the front desk. Other insights from the survey include: Nearly 80% of guests most likely to return to a hotel cite personalized amenities as the reason, with the sentiment strongest among Gen Z travelers (89%). 93% of travelers are willing to share personal data in order to improve their experiences with hotels, including details on preferred check-in/out times (60%), gender preferences (49%), food and beverage choices (48%), age (47%) and desired amenities and activities (46%). 'At Generator, we're always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience, from our smart, design-led spaces to the technology that powers the guest journey,' said Annajane Guzel, Global Director of Brand Marketing at Generator. 'Our self-check-in kiosks at Generator Miami have become an essential part of how we create a seamless experience for our guests who value efficiency. By leveraging this smart technology, we're not only streamlining operations but elevating the guest experience in a way that feels intuitive, flexible, and reflective of how our guests travel. Our self-check-in kiosks give guests the autonomy to arrive on their own terms, skip the desk, and dive straight into the true Generator experience – whether that's exploring like a local or relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand.' Valtr added, 'The message from travelers is clear: frictionless convenience is the new standard. This isn't about eliminating human interaction – it's about empowering both guests and staff to create more meaningful touchpoints and experiences. Hotels embracing this evolution will earn the loyalty of tomorrow's most valuable guests.' The data from both travelers and hotels is clear: the front desk era is giving way to a digital-first guest journey, where flexibility, personalization, and operational excellence will shine.
Hospitality Net
11-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
70% of Travelers Would Skip the Front Desk, Mews Survey Reveals: The Rise of Self-Check-In Hotels
The traditional hotel front desk is no longer a must-stop for modern guests, as revealed by new Mews-commissioned research. Seventy percent of American travelers are likely to check themselves into a hotel using an app or a self-service kiosk instead of a traditional front desk. This preference skyrockets to 82% among Gen Z travelers, signaling a fundamental shift in how guests want to interact with hotels. Self-service isn't just about speed – it's a key driver of guest satisfaction and loyalty. In a survey of 2,000 U.S. travelers, frustrations with traditional hotel operations remain clear: 82% of current hotel loyalty members report pain points with existing systems, including lengthy check-in processes, limited flexibility, and outdated service models that fail to meet modern expectations. I founded Mews to transform the traditional hotel experience by eliminating the reception desk to allow staff to engage more personally with guests, said Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews. Since bringing Mews Kiosks to hotels in the U.S., 30% of guests check-in via the Kiosk, cutting check-in time by a third and freeing up staff to really welcome their guests and provide remarkable experiences throughout their stay, not to mention the fact that Kiosks drive 25% higher upsells in our hotels today. Waiting in the lobby queue is simply not a hospitable experience for today's travelers, it's another example where if the technology works, guests value convenience over tradition. U.S Hotels Surpass Global Benchmarks in Digital Adoption Mews' own data shows that U.S. properties are leading the way in self-service: In the U.S., 30% of all reservations among Kiosk-enabled hotels are checked in through Mews Kiosk, versus a global benchmark of 20% 10.5% of total U.S. reservations use the Mews Guest Portal for check-in (compared to the global average of 8.6%), marking a 20% higher preference for online check-in among U.S. guests. Hotels are also seeing measurable benefits. Guests checking in via kiosk are three times more likely to purchase an upsell, generating nearly 70% more upsell revenue per check-in compared to those using the front desk. Other insights from the survey include: Nearly 80% of guests most likely to return to a hotel cite personalized amenities as the reason, with the sentiment strongest among Gen Z travelers (89%). 93% of travelers are willing to share personal data in order to improve their experiences with hotels, including details on preferred check-in/out times (60%), gender preferences (49%), food and beverage choices (48%), age (47%) and desired amenities and activities (46%). At Generator, we're always looking for ways to enhance the guest experience, from our smart, design-led spaces to the technology that powers the guest journey, said Annajane Guzel, Global Director of Brand Marketing at Generator. Our self-check-in kiosks at Generator Miami have become an essential part of how we create a seamless experience for our guests who value efficiency. By leveraging this smart technology, we're not only streamlining operations but elevating the guest experience in a way that feels intuitive, flexible, and reflective of how our guests travel. Our self-check-in kiosks give guests the autonomy to arrive on their own terms, skip the desk, and dive straight into the true Generator experience - whether that's exploring like a local or relaxing by the pool with a cocktail in hand. Valtr added, The message from travelers is clear: frictionless convenience is the new standard. This isn't about eliminating human interaction – it's about empowering both guests and staff to create more meaningful touchpoints and experiences. Hotels embracing this evolution will earn the loyalty of tomorrow's most valuable guests. The data from both travelers and hotels is clear: the front desk era is giving way to a digital-first guest journey, where flexibility, personalization, and operational excellence will shine. About Mews Mews is the leading platform for the new era of hospitality. Powering over 12,500 customers across more than 85 countries, Mews Hospitality Cloud is designed to streamline operations for modern hoteliers, transform the guest experience and create more profitable businesses. Customers include BWH Hotels, Strawberry, The Social Hub and Airelles Collection. Mews was named Best PMS (2024, 2025) and listed among the Best Places to Work in Hotel Tech (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) by Hotel Tech Report. Mews has raised $410 million from investors including Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, Kinnevik and Tiger Global to transform hospitality. Katie Halfhead Senior Communications Manager
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Tesco is mocked for bringing 'VAR style' AI action replays at self-service tills - showing video of customers if they fail to scan shopping correctly
Supermarket giant Tesco is being mocked online after bringing in 'VAR-style' AI action replays at self-service checkouts. The cameras, which are designed to pick up if an item has not been scanned properly before placed in the bagging area, have been the butt of jokes after viral social media footage showed the new technology in action. A bird's-eye-view camera above each of the tills records shoppers scanning and packing their items, using AI to detect if an object has failed to scan. But critics have complained the new technology could make the already frustrating self-service machines even worse, with more false errors being flagged by AI. In a video shared to Instagram that has amassed close to three million views, a shopper shows how the new software works. The man is seen correctly scanning a tin of tuna, but then just moving a bottle of milk over the scanner and into the bagging area to make it look like he has. The till then showed the shoppers an instant replay of himself failing to scan the products. Once the AI detects a missed item, a warning message flashes up which reads: 'The last item wasn't scanned properly. Remove from bagging area and try again.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by BritBantz (@britbantz) Shoppers are greeted with VAR-style footage showing them not properly scanning the item The clip of the item being moved from the basket area to the bagging area is then played on the screen on repeat. Customers are far from thrilled with the new update, which comes a month after Sainsbury's introduced similar technology. One Reddit user said: 'Can't believe customer service is now so in the bin you're constantly treated like a thief. 'I only use the manned checkouts these days, because I'm not dealing with all the nonsense they've added to self checkouts. Constantly asking for staff to come over and approve stuff, as if you're always trying to get one over on them.' Another added: 'The loss from the odd mis-scanned item is probably greater than the cost of this system.' A third said: 'Not content with telling me that my item is not in the bagging area when it clearly is, this machine is now going to check whether I was offside or not?' A shopper also used commentary-style writing to narrate a recent trip to a Sainsbury's supermarket, in which he said: 'Bag of salad in Sainsbury's a couple of days ago, with barcode that was too close to the weld/join of the bag itself - me swiping like a madman - and the overhead VAR showing me the video footage of my wee bald patch as I'm desperately trying to do the right thing.' Another said: 'Yes, Geoff, we can clearly see that milk is offside. No scan!' It comes after 2024 became a record year for shoplifting offences, with 516,971 incidents recorded by police - an increase of around 20 percent on 2023. But the real number of thefts is feared to be much higher, possibly as many as 20.4 million incidents last year. The estimate, from the British Retail Consortium, is up from 3.7 million the year before. In a statement on the new service, Tesco said: 'We are always looking at technology to make life easier for our customers. 'We have recently installed a new system at some stores which helps customers using self-service checkouts identify if an item has not been scanned properly, making the checkout process quicker and easier.'
