Tesco opens first checkout-free store

Tesco has opened its first ever checkout-free store in London, as part of a trial that will see customers shop and pay without scanning a product or using a checkout. 

The rollout of its ‘GetGo’ concept to Tesco Express High Holborn follows a successful trial at Tesco’s colleague store in Welwyn Garden City, which has been in place since 2019. 

According to Tesco, “leading-edge” technology at GetGo stores will allow customers with the Tesco.com app to check-in to the store, pick up their groceries and “walk straight out again without visiting a checkout”. 

The store will use a combination of cameras and weight-sensors to establish what customers have picked up and charge them for products directly through the app when they leave the store. 

There will also be a section in the store specifically for age-restricted products, with a separate exit where colleagues will manually check ID verification.

Tesco added that the new technology will “create an even more convenient shopping experience for customers, saving time for those who want to pop in to pick up something for lunch or grab dinner on their way home”.

Kevin Tindall, managing director, Tesco Convenience said: “This is a really exciting moment for Tesco as we launch GetGo with customers. 

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve the shopping experience and our latest innovation offers a seamless checkout for customers on the go, helping them to save a bit more time. This is currently just a one-store trial but we’re looking forward to seeing how our customers respond.”