How digital receipts fit into modern retail

Paper receipts have been part of retail for as long as most of us can remember. As shopping moves across channels and checkout formats like self-checkout (SCO), Scan & Go, and mobile payments, the printed slip no longer fits. It no longer reflects how people shop.

Digital receipts offer a cleaner, faster and more sustainable alternative. Customers get instant access to their receipts on any device, while retailers reduce costs, support ESG goals and make daily operations easier.

What digital receipts are

A digital receipt is generated at the point of sale, whether at a traditional checkout or on MPOS. It contains the same information as a printed one and is delivered by email, SMS, QR code or loyalty app. Each receipt is stored securely in a cloud archive, linking the transaction to reporting, fiscal data and returns.

Retailers decide how receipts are distributed, how long they are stored, and how the archive connects to back-office systems for accounting, loyalty or analytics.

Many retailers also report measurable savings on paper, fewer printer issues and faster handling of returns after adopting digital receipts.

From retail concept to solution with 52ViKING

Digital receipts can be implemented in many ways depending on the retailer’s systems and POS setup. The concept is technology-agnostic and increasingly seen as a standard part of modern retail.

At Fiftytwo, we have built digital receipts directly into our POS platform, 52ViKING. The solution integrates seamlessly with POS, MPOS and self-checkout, making it possible for stores to go paper-light without adding hardware or extra steps.

Our approach also includes collaboration with selected technology partners such as Myver, who make it possible to deliver receipts directly to customers’ online banking environments. Together, we make digital receipts more accessible, more secure and easier to use for both retailers and customers.

How digital receipts work

At checkout, the receipt is generated automatically as part of the transaction flow. The customer chooses a delivery method such as email, SMS, QR code or loyalty app. The receipt is then stored in the archive and linked to the original transaction so it can later be retrieved for returns, audits or customer support.

In MPOS environments, digital receipts remove the need for printers entirely. In fixed lanes or self-checkout setups, receipts can appear as QR codes on the customer display or be sent instantly after payment.