The Aldi Shop&Go concept store in Greenwich, London, allows customers to complete their shop without scanning a single product, or having to go through a checkout.
Aldi is the fourth major retailer in the UK to utilise this technology, following on the heels of Amazon, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. The Amazon Fresh store opened in March 2021 and was the first in the UK to utilise this concept.
To use the system, customers must download the Aldi Shop&Go app, which will allow them to enter the store, pick up their items, and then walk out when they have completed their shop. Once a customer leaves the store they will then be automatically charged for their shopping.
The system uses specially-positioned cameras to detect which products customers have picked up, before charging them to their Aldi Shop&Go account when they leave the store.
Age-restricted products
Customers wishing to purchase alcohol, or other Challenge 25 products, will be able to use facial age estimation technology to authorise their purchase. This technology, provided by 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.
CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland Giles Hurley, said: “Today is the culmination of months of work, not least from the team here in Greenwich and I’m looking forward to seeing how customers react to our trial.
“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. The team are really excited about seeing customers come in and experience Aldi Shop&Go.”
Store manager Lewis Esparon said: “I cannot wait to show customers our new Aldi Shop&Go store. 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.”
For more on technology in convenience, check out The Convenience Mix Podcast.
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