BIOMETRICS, E-CHECKS COULD EXPAND AT GROCERS.(Javelin Strategy & Research)(Brief article)

Nearly half of retailers in the grocery category are considering enhancements to their point-of-sale systems, with biometrics and electronic check programs as the most likely additions, according to a survey of retailers from Javelin Strategy & Research. Pleasanton, CA-based Javelin surveyed last December more than 900 merchants from seven industry categories, including convenience store, automotive, wholesale and specialty retail. Most merchants weren't considering adding any new payment technology to their point of sale, Javelin found. But 47% of grocers were checking out new ideas, and 26.6% cited biometrics as a possibility while 26.6% cited electronic checks. Bruce …