Aldi picks London for first checkout-free tech trial
Discount retailer Aldi is trialling new checkout-free technology in one of its London branches, joining rivals in looking at new ways to offer customers different payment choices.
The supermarket chain, which has 48 stores within the M25, said the tech will 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.
It added that shortly after a visit, shoppers would get an email receipt and be charged automatically using their chosen payment method.
Aldi declined to say where in London the trial is taking place, but said staff are currently involved in the test, and further work will be carried out with the public.
It joins other retailers looking at offering customers different ways to shop.
In the summer it emerged that Tesco had created what is set to be its first public-facing store using cashierless technology, while Amazon has this year opened six Amazon Fresh convenience stores in London that offer ‘just walk out shopping’.
Giles Hurley, the boss of 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.”
The firm said the site where the trial is will employ approximately the same number of colleagues as a typical Aldi Local.
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