Abstract: A system which presents a common interface over different communication links. If a party contacts an organization through the organization's web site, a sequence of options is presented to the party. If another party contacts an organization through a telephone call, a computer answers, and presents the same options.

Abstract: A method of advertising with a retail system having a display monitor associated therewith is disclosed. The method includes the step of operating a kiosk of the retail system in order to obtain product information associated with a first item without transacting a sale of the first item. The method also includes the step of entering a record corresponding to the first item in a user profile in response to the kiosk operating step. Further, the method includes the step of operating a checkout terminal of the retail system so as to transact a sale of a second item. The method additionally includes the step of displaying an advertising message on the display monitor during the checkout terminal operating step based on the record corresponding to the first item which was entered in the user profile. An apparatus for displaying a customized advertising message with a retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable checkout system which is suited for self-service and full-service operation. The system includes a first portion including a dual-aperture bar code scanner rotatably mounted within the first portion. The dual-aperture bar code scanner is rotatable between a full-service position and a self-service position. The system further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion containing a bagging area for use in full-service and self-service checkout operations.

Abstract: A return system for simplifying the process of a return transaction in which merchandise is returned to a retailer for credit or other adjustment. A customer provides information at one of a number of customer-operated stations, which may include in-store kiosks or other in-store customer-operated stations, or customer-owned personal computers. The customer-operated stations operate under control of a central computer. The central computer may directly supervise the transfer of information, which may control the customer-operated station directly or may periodically exchange information with the customer-operated station, the customer-operated station operating under control of its own software. The central computer collects and stores the return information for immediate processing or to perform analysis functions and customer satisfaction follow-up transactions.

Abstract: A method of providing security to an assisted retail terminal having a security weight scale associated therewith includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when a product code associated with an item of a customer is entered into the retail terminal by retail personnel. The method also includes the step of detecting placement of the item by the retail personnel into a post-scan area associated with the retail terminal with the security weight scale and generating a detection control signal in response thereto. Moreover, the method includes the step of generating an invalid-use control signal if the detection control signal is generated prior to generation of the item-entered control signal. An assisted retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a display monitor includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when an item for purchase of a customer is entered into the retail terminal by retail personnel. The method also includes the step of retrieving retail history information associated with the customer from a customer profile database The method further includes the step of displaying item information associated with the item for purchase on a first portion of the display monitor in response to generation of the item-entered control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of displaying a customer-specific retail message based on the retail history information on a second portion of the display monitor. The step of displaying the customer-specific retail message is performed contemporaneously with the step of displaying the item information associated with the item for purchase. A retail terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable checkout system which is suited for self-service and full-service operation. The system includes a first portion including a dual-aperture bar code scanner rotatably mounted within the first portion. The dual-aperture bar code scanner is rotatable between a full-service position and a self-service position. The system further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion containing a bagging area for use in full-service and self-service checkout operations.

Abstract: A checkout terminal includes a terminal base. The terminal also includes a scanner movably secured to the terminal base. The scanner is configured to be moved relative to the terminal base so as to be positionable between an assisted scanner position and a self-service scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform an assisted checkout transaction in which a first number of items are scanned with the scanner by retail personnel when the scanner is positioned in the assisted scanner position. The scanner is operated so as to perform a self-service checkout transaction in which a second number of items are scanned with the scanner by a customer when the scanner is positioned in the self-service scanner position. A method of operating a checkout terminal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating a retail terminal having a display monitor includes the step of generating an item-entered control signal when an item for purchase of a customer is entered into the retail terminal by retail personnel. The method also includes the step of retrieving retail history information associated with the customer from a customer profile database. The method further includes the step of displaying item information associated with the item for purchase on a first portion of the display monitor in response to generation of the item-entered control signal. Moreover, the method includes the step of displaying a customer-specific retail message based on the retail history information on a second portion of the display monitor. The step of displaying the customer-specific retail message is performed contemporaneously with the step of displaying the item information associated with the item for purchase. A retail terminal is also disclosed.