Interesting research : Biometrics

Source: http://www.possoftwareguide.com/articles/future-pos-software.html

Biometrics
This technology is already being used in a few select retailers for logging into POS software and for customer's using self checkouts. Biometrics refers to a method of identification by measuring unique human characteristics as a way to confirm identity.
In retail, biometrics is used when a cashier presses his or her finger on the finger print scanner, which automatically logs them into the POS system based on their fingerprint. This future POS technology reduces theft as others are not able to use a particular cash register until they've scanned their fingerprint. Errors are also tracked to the specific cashier so that training needs can be identified.

At first I seemed a bit cautious over this as it seems just like out the sci fi films scanning finger prints or retina information but the fact you can not use a self service till without it registering you as a user would definitely prevent theft on that front. If they link this  up with a reward system/loyalty card so when it reads your fingerprint it temporarily logs you in until you leave. 

Some research I done shows how some shops are letting you pay by phone which is definitely the way retail may be heading because of the increasing technology of smart phones but I myself am always weary of paying on my phone.  Another website had some useful information regarding studies on Biometrics and paying by phone.

The customers certainly seemed to like it. Around 900 people took part in the trial and 94pc said they would be willing to use fingerprint payment for all their in-store purchases.
Mr Delaforge said the technology could also be developed to add loyalty points and discounts automatically when a customer scans their fingerprint, helping consumers save both time and money.
It could be the influence of Minority Report, but there seems to be an interest in biometric payments on this side of the Channel as well.
A recent study of more than 2,000 shoppers by payment processing group WorldPay found 49pc would use biometric payments, such as fingerprint or iris scanners – far outweighing the popularity of smartphone payments, which won 30pc of the vote.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/consumertips/10172480/How-technology-will-transform-your-visit-to-the-supermarket.html 

Brief states how although they want innovative ideas it may well be just adjustments to a current service. When i went to Morrison's recently their self service machines are by far the worst out of all supermarkets so maybe this is definitely something they can trial or look into.