Aldi is trialling its first checkout-free store in London, with the concept supermarket opening to the public today [18 January].
The Aldi Shop&Go store on Greenwich High Street has undergone testing with Aldi colleagues in recent months, but now enables customers to complete a shop without scanning a single product, or having to go through a checkout.
Customers can download the Aldi Shop&Go app, which will allow them to enter the store, pick up items, and then walk out when they have completed their shop. Once a customer leaves the store, they will then be automatically charged for shopping via selected payment methods and a receipt will appear in the app.
The system, provided by automated retail technology provider AiFi, uses specially positioned cameras to detect which products customers have picked up, before charging them to the Aldi Shop&Go account.
Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “This store utilises the very latest in retail technology offering Aldi’s award-winning products and unbeatable prices to customers in a new and innovative way.”
Customers wishing to purchase alcohol, or other Challenge 25 products, will be able to use facial age estimation technology to authorise the purchase. This technology, provided by digital ID app developer Yoti, enables customers to confirm their identity within seconds via the Aldi Shop&Go app. Those who opt to not use the system will instead be age verified by a store colleague.
Lewis Esparon, store manager, added: “We have been working towards this day for several months now so it will be great to see how our customers react to the new technology.
“For us, steps like this are always about improving the customer experience and the whole team are looking forward to being on-hand and ready to help to ensure that experience is as smooth as ever.”
