SPAR at Imperial College London: Hybrid Checkout with SpacePole

Located within one of the UK’s most prestigious academic institutions, SPAR at Imperial College London has adopted a forward-thinking retail strategy that blends tradition with innovation. Serving a diverse customer base of students, faculty, and visitors, the store required a checkout solution that could flexibly support both manned and self-service operations—without compromising on speed, security, or space efficiency.

The Challenge

SPAR faced the dual challenge of managing high footfall during peak hours while also delivering a seamless experience during quieter periods. Traditional checkout counters were no longer sufficient to meet the expectations of a digitally native audience accustomed to autonomy and speed.

The Solution

Ergonomic Solutions partnered with Henderson Technology to deploy a custom hybrid checkout configuration built on the SpacePole® modular POS system. The final design featured a robust base unit with back-to-back screen mounts for both operator and customer, along with three Swing arms to support the printer, scanner, and payment device.

This modular setup enabled SPAR to switch effortlessly between manned and self-service modes, depending on staffing levels and customer demand.

A Future-Ready Retail Experience

By choosing SpacePole and collaborating with Henderson Technology, SPAR at Imperial College London has not only modernised its checkout infrastructure but also future-proofed its operations. The ergonomic design, modularity, and durability of the solution ensure it can evolve in step with the needs of the store and its customers.