Aldi Set To Trial First Checkout-Free Supermarket

Aldi is set to trial its first checkout-free store that will allow customers to walk in and out without having to pay at a till.

All you need is two things - a smartphone and an app.

So, unless you're 100 years old and living in a secluded cave, then you should be fine.

Alamy

The way it works is, you register via the Aldi app and then technology tracks the items that are picked up.

It will then charge you with the automatic payment method provided.

If you want to try it, however, you'll have to wait as the supermarket chain has refused to reveal exactly where it will be. The only information that has been released is that the store will be in London.

Giles Hurley, chief executive officer for Aldi UK and Ireland said to The Independent: "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."

Alamy

The concept, however, is not a new one and Amazon was the one who originally to come up with the idea.

In March, Jeff Bezos's multi-billion-pound company opened its first checkout-free store selling groceries and tech.

Customers simply scan a QR code when they enter and once inside, clever technology automatically detects when an item is taken from or put back on the shelves and keeps track of them in a virtual cart.

When the customer is done shopping, they are charged via the Amazon app on their phones.

Clever, eh?

Alamy

At the time, Amazon said: "Amazon Fresh is the first convenience grocery store to offer Just Walk Out Technology in the UK.

"We offer a mix of everyday essentials, local favourites and seasonal items we think you'll want and love, all at great prices.

"We're also excited to offer delicious ready-to-eat and ready-to-heat meals.

"Our checkout-free shopping experience is made possible by the same types of technologies used in self-driving cars: computer vision, sensor fusion and deep learning.

"Just Walk Out Technology automatically detects when products are taken from or returned to the shelves and keeps track of them in a virtual basket.

"When you're done shopping, you can just leave the store."

Topics: Aldi, Food, supermarket, UK

Anish Vij

@Anish_Vij