Aldi, a German supermarket chain that has been gaining traction in the U.S., opened its first checkout-free store today to promote eco-friendly shopping habits and reinvigorate customers’ trust as they shop at their locally owned stores.
Aldi has opened its first checkout. The new checkout will allow customers to use their smartphones to scan items and process payments.
Greenwich’s new shop opens today. (Image courtesy of DanielGravesPhotography)
What’s a pain in the neck?
Doing your major grocery shopping and having to go through the check-out procedure, whether you’re in line or have to continually asking for assistance because there’s an unexpected item in the bagging area.
Supermarkets are attempting to alleviate this suffering by opening checkout-free locations — you’ve probably seen an Amazon Go store.
Now, Aldi is hopping on the bandwagon, today opening their first Aldi Shop&Go concept store in Greenwich.
After being tested by Aldi employees over the previous several months, it’s now ready for the general public to try out the service (be prepared for a few hiccups while Aldi perfects the offering).
It operates in a very straightforward manner.
You download the Aldi Shop&Go app, enter the store, pick up your items, and then just… walk out.
Download the app, go shopping, and then get paid as you leave. (Image courtesy of DanielGravesPhotography)
Yes, it will look as if you’ve just done some theft, but after you leave the store, you’ll be instantly paid for your purchases and a receipt will display on the app.
Before billing you the proper amount, the system employs cleverly placed cameras to recognize precisely which things you’ve picked up.
In addition, if you’re purchasing alcohol, you’ll be able to have your age verified beforehand. The software verifies your identification, and face age estimate technology performs the rest.
‘Today marks the conclusion of months of effort, not least from the team here in Greenwich, and I’m looking forward to seeing how consumers respond to our experiment,’ said Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland.
Yes, it will be strange to just go (Picture: DanielGravesPhotography)
‘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.’
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Lewis Esparon, Store Manager, added: ‘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.
‘Steps like this are always about enhancing the customer experience for us, and the whole staff is looking forward to being on-hand and ready to assist in making that experience as easy as possible.’
If all works well, additional Aldi shops may become checkout-free.
Just don’t forget your tote bag.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Checkout work at Aldi?
A: Checkout is a self-checkout system at Aldi, which means you scan your own items and then put them on the conveyor belt.
Why is Aldi checkout so fast?
A: Aldi is a German supermarket chain and the checkout process was designed with efficiency in mind. They do not have to deal with cashiers or checkouts, meaning that it only takes about three minutes for them to go through their system.
What day of the week does Aldis restock?
A: Aldis restocks on Wednesdays.
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