Aldi has revealed plans to open its first checkout-free store after it trademarked “Shop & Go” earlier this year.
The supermarket chain said the new store will be in London but would not be drawn on its exact location.
It said the concept store would be roughly the same size and have the same number of employees as its Aldi Local fascia.
The new technology will allow customers to scan their smartphone upon entering the store, pick up the items they wish to purchase and walk out without the need to pay at the till.
Customers will be charged automatically and sent an email receipt shortly after their visit to the store.
Aldi is the third grocer to trial this technology following the roll-out of Amazon Fresh stores over the past year, as well as the news that Tesco is readying the same technology for its stores.
Aldi said it is currently trialling the concept on colleagues and will test it on customers in the near future.
Chief executive Giles Hurley 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.”
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