Abstract: A method includes processing a plurality of items for purchase using a transaction approval system. Before processing ends, the transaction approval system is used to provide an offer to electronically receive from a consumer at least one of identification of a financial account and approval from the consumer to charge a total cost of the plurality of items to the financial account, and after processing ends, the total cost of the plurality of items is determined. If the consumer did not provide one or more of identification of the financial account and approval in response to the offer, then, after determining the total cost of the plurality of items, the transaction approval system is used to electronically prompt the consumer for and to electronically receive at least one of the identification of the financial account and approval from the consumer to charge the total cost to the financial account.

Abstract: A method of processing a retail transaction includes processing a plurality of items for purchase using a point-of-sale terminal, which is part of a transaction approval system at a point of sale in a retail store. Processing the plurality of items includes using the point-of-sale terminal to determine associated price information for each item. Processing the plurality of items begins when information regarding an identifier of a first one of the plurality of items is entered into the point-of-sale terminal and ends when the information regarding the identifiers associated with all of the plurality of items has been entered into the point-of-sale terminal. The method further includes, before processing the plurality of items ends, electronically receiving an identification of a financial account to pay for the plurality of items, and after electronically receiving the identification of the financial account, determining a total cost of the plurality of items.

Abstract: A method of processing a retail transaction includes processing a plurality of items for purchase using a point-of-sale terminal, which is part of a transaction approval system at a point of sale in a retail store. Processing the plurality of items includes using the point-of-sale terminal to determine associated price information for each item. Processing the plurality of items begins when information regarding an identifier of a first one of the plurality of items is entered into the point-of-sale terminal and ends when the information regarding the identifiers associated with all of the plurality of items has been entered into the point-of-sale terminal. The method further includes, before processing the plurality of items ends, electronically receiving an identification of a financial account to pay for the plurality of items, and after electronically receiving the identification of the financial account, determining a total cost of the plurality of items.

Abstract: A method of sale including processing a plurality of purchases to be sold to a consumer, identifying a consumer financial account held by a financial institution, receiving authorization from the financial institution to enable payment for the plurality of purchases from the consumer financial account, and providing the consumer with an option to approve the payment from the consumer financial account. The option is provided during processing of the plurality of purchases. Transaction approval systems provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A method of sale including processing a plurality of purchases to be sold to a consumer, identifying a consumer financial account held by a financial institution, receiving authorization from the financial institution to enable payment for the plurality of purchases from the consumer financial account, and providing the consumer with an option to approve the payment from the consumer financial account. The option is provided during processing of the plurality of purchases. Transaction approval systems provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A method of sale including processing a plurality of purchases to be sold to a consumer, identifying a consumer financial account held by a financial institution, receiving authorization from the financial institution to enable payment for the plurality of purchases from the consumer financial account, and providing the consumer with an option to approve the payment from the consumer financial account. The option is provided during processing of the plurality of purchases. Transaction approval systems provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A check-out counter system includes a scanner, a bagging station, and a deck area. The bagging station is positioned adjacent the scanner and includes a first and a second support shelf. The first support shelf is positioned and configured to support a plurality of first bags. The second support shelf is positioned below the first support shelf and configured to support a plurality of second bags. The deck area is configured to support at least one of the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags after the at least one of the plurality of first bags and the plurality of second bags has been loaded with merchandise. The deck area is adjacent the bagging station and defines a top deck area surface that is generally coplanar with a top surface of the first support shelf. Other check-out counter systems and associated methods provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A method of sale including processing a plurality of purchases to be sold to a consumer, identifying a consumer financial account held by a financial institution, receiving authorization from the financial institution to enable payment for the plurality of purchases from the consumer financial account, and providing the consumer with an option to approve the payment from the consumer financial account. The option is provided during processing of the plurality of purchases. Transaction approval systems provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A method of sale including processing a plurality of purchases to be sold to a consumer, identifying a consumer financial account held by a financial institution, receiving authorization from the financial institution to enable payment for the plurality of purchases from the consumer financial account, and providing the consumer with an option to approve the payment from the consumer financial account. The option is provided during processing of the plurality of purchases. Transaction approval systems provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A shopping vehicle includes a wheeled chassis supporting a main cart and a utility portion. The main cart includes a front portion and a rear portion with the utility portion extending rearward from the rear portion of the main cart. The utility portion includes a generally horizontal platform and a generally vertical support structure. The support structure extends generally upward and generally perpendicular relative to the generally horizontal platform. The platform and the support structure of the utility portion, in combination with the rear portion of the main cart define a first cargo zone behind the main cart.

Abstract: A shopping vehicle includes a wheeled chassis supporting a main cart and a utility portion. The main cart includes a front portion and a rear portion with the utility portion extending rearward from the rear portion of the main cart. The utility portion includes a generally horizontal platform and a generally vertical support structure. The support structure extends generally upward and generally perpendicular relative to the generally horizontal platform. The platform and the support structure of the utility portion, in combination with the rear portion of the main cart define a first cargo zone behind the main cart.

Abstract: A bagging station within a check-out counter system and for use by a cashier positioned in a cashier location within the check-out counter system. The bagging station includes a lower bag rack and an upper bag rack. The lower bag rack is configured to hold at least one bag for loading with a first portion of merchandise and defines a first upper edge. The upper bag rack is configured to hold at least one bag for loading with a second portion of merchandise. The upper bag rack is positioned behind the lower bag rack relative to the cashier location, and the upper bag rack defines a second upper edge. The first upper edge and the second upper edge are arranged in a terraced configuration. Check-out counter systems and methods of processing merchandise provide additional advantages.