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Aldi has announced it is trialling new checkout-free technology at one of its London stores.
It said the technology is designed to allow customers to scan a smartphone app to enter the store, pick up their shopping, and simply walk out without the need to pay at a till.
Shortly after their visit, they will get an email receipt and be charged automatically using their chosen payment method.
Britain’s fifth-largest supermarket says that colleagues are currently testing the store and further trials will be carried out by members of the public.
The retailer also revealed that the first concept store will employ approximately the same number of colleagues as a typical Aldi Local.
The announcement follows Aldi’s launch of click-and-collect last year, which is now available in over 200 Aldi stores across the UK, enabling customers to carry out a full weekly shop online and collect their orders in store.
Giles Hurley, CEO for Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “We are always looking to redefine what it means to be a discount retailer, and the technology involved in this trial will give us a wealth of learnings.
“We are really excited to be testing this concept that will enable customers to pick from our range of quality products, all available at unbeatable prices, then leave the store without having to pay at a till.”
If successful Aldi would be the latest retailer to launch a checkout-free experience joining Sainsbury’s and Amazon’s six Amazon Go stores in the UK.
