Tesco updates shopping app to include time-saving barcode scanner

This morning, Tesco’s update to its popular mobile iPhone shopping app hit the App Store. The app brings with it a number of useful updates but one stand-out feature could change the way many Tesco customers do their weekly shop.

The new feature is a barcode scanner, a simple feature that many other apps include, but is a first for UK supermarkets. Tesco has developed the scanner to help “busy parents and time-poor professionals” who don’t have the time to add specific items to a shopping list, giving them a way to add specific items to their online shopping basket at anytime with a simple scan of a barcode (in the house, the office or in another supermarket).

Once a product is scanned, it is added to the users’ online checkout and remains there until he/she is ready to checkout and complete the transaction.

CEO of Tesco.com Laura Wade-Gery says:

“We’re always looking for ways to make life easier for customers and for busy mums in particular. The barcode scanner will make online ordering much quicker for those that have an iPhone. Customers can simply scan the barcode of grocery products stocked by Tesco whilst on the go and add them into their online shopping basket.

This is the perfect solution for iPhone lovers that are always forgetting to add items to their shopping list or haven’t the time to even write one!”

Tesco even includes a little infographic to demonstrate how the app works:

Since Tesco released its iPhone app, it has consistently ranked as one of the App Store’s Top Free Apps and has received positive reviews in the few weeks it has been available.