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Aldi Without Checkout or Scan – Future Supermarket Opened
Classic Aldi branch in London.
© Anthony Devlin / / Picture Alliance
You can now shop at Aldi with just one app. In the test branch, cameras record the purchase, you just have to pack your luggage and when you leave the branch, the discount is given. But there is a problem with the specials.
A supermarket without a cashier is the dream of many grocery chains. Previous attempts were not really successful. They were based on the idea that customers simply do the work of employees. They still have to go to the cash register and then pull the goods on the scanner themselves. Or it was allowed to pass through the store with the scanner.
Aldi is now trying again in the UK. At the Test branch in Greenwich, London, customers can pay with no-till or scanner. To do this, they must download the Aldi Shop & Go app. At the checkout of the store, the value of the purchases will be debited from your account. Before entering the store, you have to register, then the app generates a QR code that you can use to bypass the entry barrier. Amazon has already offered a similar system.
small and tidy
The Sun writes that the branch in Greenwich is generally smaller and more tidy than other stores. But the reporter was disappointed that there was only the permanent range and no specials in the aisle. This needs to be worked on. Other customers also missed out on the attractive offers.
Rajdeep S said, “I check my phone every week to see what’s on offer. It’s really good for a school uniform. You expect something new every time.” Lisa B was also disappointed: “Where’s the driveway? Normally I could spend the whole day checking that driveway.”
Disappointment was to be expected. Many customers carefully study the Aldi brochure and, of course, expect these offers in the store.
no offers
Purchase is recorded via seamless camera monitoring. The face recognition feature detects whether customers are old enough to purchase alcohol. However, evidence can also be provided by personnel. However, the system does not collect any biometric data. The challenges are great. It should be recognized when a group of customers fill a shopping cart together. It also gets complicated when very similar products at different prices are close together on the shelf. As with chocolate bars, for example.
To do this, it is necessary to overcome psychological barriers. Tested customers found it difficult to put the merchandise directly into their shopping bag, although that is actually a relief. The Greenwich branch is also an ideal setting. Only customers who have registered via the app can shop here. If the system is rolled out, branches will also have to enable traditional checkout shopping, at least for the go-ahead. During the trial run, there is also a problem with the receipt. It only arrives after 20 minutes, so suspicious customers cannot check it out in the branch.
Will order prevail? The reporter is skeptical, she did not like the late receipt at all, although everything was right. And one thing is for sure: the Aldi branch is without the specials and there is no opportunity for merchandise from the middle lane if a well-stocked Aldi is nearby.
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