The Co-operative Food has started trialing contactless payments in its small shops and convenience stores in an effort to generate a better means for customers to pay for goods, according to Retail Week.

The Co-op will roll out the technology in more than 175 stores and pharmacies, beginning with its four Manchester city centre stores. Later this month, the grocer also plan to upgrade its chip and pin terminals to be contactless in an extra 50 stores.

The trial comes only months ahead of the London 2012 Summer Olympics, where this point-of-sale technology is expected to be promoted and used prominently. Contactless technology enables customers to pay for low-value goods much faster and easier, which results a shorter and speedier checkout.

A decision will be made on whether to roll out contactless payment to all of the retailer’s 2,883 food stores by the end of 2012.

Read more here.