The UK branch of Germany-based discount supermarket chain Aldi has opened its first checkout-free concept store in Greenwich, London, for public trials.
The Aldi Shop&Go concept store features a system provided by AiFi that allows customers to complete their shopping experience without product scanning.
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On leaving the store, customers will be billed automatically via their chosen payment method and a receipt will be sent to them via the Aldi mobile app.
The public trial comes after Aldi tested the store concept with its colleagues over recent months.
Aldi UK and Ireland CEO 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.
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By GlobalData“The team are really excited about seeing customers come in and experience Aldi Shop&Go.”
In addition to the shopping technology, Aldi’s Aldi Shop&Go store features facial age estimation technology from Yoti that allows customers buying alcohol or other Challenge 25 products to verify their age.
Customers can also opt to have a store colleague check their age instead of using the Yoti system.
Other retailers to have trialled this technology include Amazon, Sainsbury’s and Tesco.
Aldi Shop&Go store manager Lewis Esparon said: “I cannot wait to show customers our new Aldi Shop&Go store.
“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.”
Aldi is the UK’s fifth largest supermarket chain, currently operating more than 900 stores in the country.
In October last year, the retailer confirmed plans to add a further 100 stores to its retail estate by next year.
