British bakery chain Greggs is reportedly testing self-service systems in selected locations as the company looks to speed up service and reduce waiting times for customers across the UK.
The move comes as more retailers and food chains adopt automated checkout technology to manage rising operational costs and growing demand for faster customer experiences. Greggs has not yet confirmed a nationwide rollout, but the trial signals a possible shift in how customers order food and drinks in the future.
Industry analysts say self-service kiosks could help Greggs improve efficiency during busy breakfast and lunch periods while allowing staff to focus on food preparation and customer support.
Meanwhile, British Airways customers are being urged to book reward flights before major changes to the airline’s loyalty pricing system take effect tomorrow.
The airline is adjusting the Avios reward flight structure, which could impact the number of points required for flights, upgrades, and travel perks. Frequent travelers and Executive Club members are being advised to secure bookings before the updated pricing comes into force.
Travel experts say some routes may require significantly more Avios points after the changes, especially during peak travel periods. Customers are also being encouraged to review companion voucher usage and upgrade options before the new rates apply.
The developments come as UK consumers continue facing pressure from rising living costs while companies introduce new strategies aimed at improving efficiency and increasing revenue.
Separately, Britain’s ongoing heatwave has triggered increased demand for cooling products, with consumer experts advising shoppers to compare fan energy usage, noise levels, and airflow performance before making purchases.
Retail analysts say tower fans and energy-efficient cooling systems are currently among the most searched household products as temperatures continue climbing across parts of the UK.