With Pay By Touch, Pathmark shoppers will be able to conveniently and securely pay for groceries by using a finger scan linked to their checking accounts.

"Paying by touch is really as simple as it sounds," said John Standely, CEO of Pathmark. "Pay By Touch provides our shoppers with a fast, convenient, and secure payment option. It's just one more way Pathmark is dedicated to helping our busy shoppers."

Shoppers can use Pay By Touch after a quick, one-time sign-up at a special kiosk located in Pathmark stores, or online at www.paybytouch.com. Signing up is simple and consists of providing photo ID, a voided check and a finger scan. The system is highly secure and customer information is never sold or disclosed.

Once enrolled, shoppers can immediately use their finger to purchase products at participating Pathmark stores or any other Pay By Touch-enabled retailer in the country. When it comes time to pay, shoppers simply place a finger on a scanner at the point of sale and enter their phone number. After the shopper is recognized by name, and the transaction amount is approved, payment is automatically debited from his or her checking account. The Pay By Touch system abides by strict security and privacy standards, and no account numbers are exposed at the point of sale.

Pathmark operates 141 supermarkets in the New York-New Jersey and Philadelphia metropolitan areas. Exact locations for the initial deployment of Pay By Touch service are to be announced. Under the agreement, Pathmark plans to test the Pay By Touch service prior to a larger rollout.

"The market is ready to pay by touch, and stores like Pathmark are helping to satisfy a growing consumer demand for new, convenient, and secure payment methods," said John Rogers, founder, chairman, and CEO of Pay By Touch. "With Pathmark joining the network of Pay By Touch retailers, consumers coast to coast are experiencing the freedom of paying with the touch of a finger."