Aldi, the UK’s fifth largest supermarket, has opened its first checkout-free store in London. The Aldi ‘Shop&Go’ concept store in Greenwich opened for public testing, having been tested by Aldi colleagues in recent months. The new trial store allows customers to complete their shop without scanning a single product, or having to go through a checkout.

Customers can download the Aldi Shop&Go app, which will allow them to enter the store, pick up their items, and then simply walk out when they have completed their shop. Once a customer leaves the store they will then be automatically charged for their shopping via their selected payment method and a receipt will appear in the app.

The system, provided by leading technology provider AiFi, 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.

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 age 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.

Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “This store utilises the very latest in retail technology… The team are really excited about seeing customers come in and experience Aldi Shop&Go.”

Lewis Esparon, Store Manager, said: “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”.