Lidl is making a huge change to self-service checkouts and it will be quicker to shop
The budget supermarket is introducing a self-scanning feature on its app, Lidl Plus, which will allow shoppers to scan their items on their phones as they go around the store.
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Customers will be able to track how much they are spending and saving on their products in real time, while it will also allow for faster checkout at the self-service tills.
They can also load their items into their shopping bags as they go around the store.
Lidl is the latest supermarket to bring in a self-scanning feature, with Sainsbury's offering similar technology for its Nectar customers, along with Asda, Tesco, Morrisons and M&S.
The scheme is set to be trialled in four Lidl stores from September, ahead of a phased rollout next year.
The retailer has not yet confirmed which stores will be taking part in the trial.
Lidl boss Ryan McDonnell said: 'This marks a significant leap forward in our digital evolution.
" Integrated into Lidl Plus, it's designed to offer customers a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to shop.
"We're investing heavily in technologies that simplify everyday life, while always offering our customers different options to suit their shopping preferences.
"Whether customers prefer the traditional checkout, self-service or self scanning, at Lidl, they are always in control of how they shop.'
The supermarket last year brought in changes to its self-service checkouts, including new security measures, as it invests more in in-store technology.
Stores now have a one-way barrier at the exit where customers must scan their receipt before they can leave the store.
Meanwhile, the majority of checkouts are now card only, with just six cash and card counters available.
Lidl also launched its first click and collect service in April for Lidl Plus users, making it easier for shoppers to snap up middle aisle bargains.
What is Lidl Plus?
Lidl Plus is Lidl's loyalty scheme and has 100million users across the world, according to the supermarket.
The rewards scheme gives shoppers a host of offers including multi-buy deals and exclusive discounts on certain products.
Customers can also earn freebies if they spend a certain amount in shops each week.
For example, anyone spending £10 can get a free bakery item.
In a separate change to its self-service checkouts, the retailer is also trialling cameras that can spot when a shopper fails to scan an item, as it tries to crack down on shoplifting.
The VAR-style "non-scan detection" technology is currently being trialled in two London stores, according to the Grocer, and plays back footage to shoppers if they fail to scan an item.
Tesco recently brought in the technology to its scan-and-go tills, following several rival supermarkets who have also introduced it.
It comes as companies look for efficiency savings to offset the upcoming hike in employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) and minimum wage.
Marks and Spencer earlier this year began trialling new "smart checkouts" that will tot up shoppers' baskets without the need for scanning.
Morrisons has also rolled out a new AI tool to help customers find items quicker in stores through its app.
Shoppers can type in a vague description of what they're looking for and the More app will then tell them which aisle it's in and its precise location.
Futuristic pricing systems are also being trialled by some supermarkets, including Lidl, Aldi, Asda and Sainsbury's.
The technology allows prices to be displayed electronically on shelves and is automatically updated throughout the day.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
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