The Client & Challenge
Sainsbury’s SmartShop technology has changed the way customers shop. Handheld scanners allow shoppers to scan as they go and check out more quickly. With demand increasing and technology evolving, Sainsbury’s needed a partner who could deliver the infrastructure behind the system at speed, to consistent standards, and right across its estate.
Keslars, the manufacturer of the SmartShop handset walls, were awarded the package by Sainsbury’s and appointed Key to provide the building services, installation and IT configuration.
Sainsbury’s
Our Approach
Key has been delivering SmartShop installations across the UK and Ireland for more than three years. The programme involves installing power and data services, constructing and fixing the handset wall, and configuring the IT aspects that keep the system running.
As customer use grows and technology develops, Key returns to existing stores to expand capacity. This can mean adding more handsets, increasing data resilience, or upgrading power supply to meet demand.
Sainsbury’s
Delivery in Detail
150 stores completed across the UK and Ireland, with a further 150 to follow from January 2026
Each installation carried out overnight to avoid disruption to trading
Complete package delivered, from electrical and data services to IT configuration
Ongoing return visits to existing sites to expand or upgrade capacity as required
Team members even use SmartShop in their own shopping, giving firsthand insight into the customer experience they help to enable
Sainsbury’s
The Results
SmartShop has been rolled out at scale, giving customers a faster, more flexible way to shop. Sainsbury’s now has a consistent, future-ready platform that can grow with demand, supported by Key’s ability to deliver both new installations and upgrades across its estate.
Sainsbury’s
Nationwide Capability
This programme highlights Key’s ability to deliver high-volume, time-critical projects across the UK and Ireland. By combining technical expertise with proven experience at scale, Key helps retailers introduce customer-focused innovations quickly and reliably.
