Aldi to open store with no checkout in London

German supermarket follows in Amazon's footsteps while rivals including Tesco and Morrisons both experiment with similar technology

Aldi is the latest supermarket to plan stores with no checkouts as the discounter follows in the footsteps of Amazon.

The German chain is testing the technology at a store in London that allows shoppers to pick up their shopping and simply walk out.

Aldi said employees were experimenting with the new format and it would soon open to the public. It declined to give further details on how its system works. 

After coming to the UK just two decades ago, Aldi is now Britain’s fifth-largest grocer.

The announcement comes days after Amazon opened its sixth UK supermarket in east London. In March the American online giant chose west London for its first physical shop outside the US with no checkout. 

Shoppers scan a barcode on their phones to enter and are charged automatically for any items they walk out with
Shoppers scan a barcode on their phones to enter and are charged automatically for any items they walk out with

Larger Aldi rivals including Tesco and Morrisons are both experimenting with similar technology and there are plans to roll it out if shoppers respond well. 

Aldi shoppers will scan a smartphone app when entering the store and after leaving will get an emailed receipt and be charged automatically using their chosen card.

It is understood the tech works by monitoring what customers take from shelves, without any scanning of products required, in a similar way to Amazon’s Fresh stores.

Giles Hurley, boss of Aldi UK, 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.”

License this content