A checkout counter having an optical scanning unit located therein and includes a surface portion comprising a scale apparatus which includes a transparent portion enabling scanning beams projected by the optical scanner unit to be transmitted through the scale apparatus for reading a coded label on a merchandise item positioned on the scale apparatus. The scale apparatus generates data signals representing the weight of the merchandise item which are then transmitted to a processor means which also receives data signals from the scanning unit identifying the merchandise item. The processor means will generate the price of the merchandise item using the data signals received. The price of the merchandise item is then displayed on a display unit and printed by a printing unit on a customer's receipt.