Lidl trialling new 'VAR-style' self-service checkouts in UK

South Wales Argus

10-07-2025

The new self-service checkout systems feature "non-scan technology", which detects when a shopper fails to scan an item.
Playback clips, recorded by cameras at the till, will then be shown to shoppers on a screen if they scan items incorrectly.
If the error is not rectified, an assistant will need to step in before customers can pay, according to The Grocer.
The new checkout system is said to be Lidl's "latest bid to tackle theft".
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Lidl's customer privacy notice, according to The Grocer, says: "Some of our cameras may also use non-scan detection technologies as part of the checkout process.
"Any cameras using non-scan detection technologies are only active at our store checkouts and self-checkouts.'
It adds: "Any non-scan technologies used on our checkouts and self-checkouts cameras are only used to identify non-scanned items, prevent inventory loss and will always involve human intervention.
"All facial images collected as part of our non-scan detection cameras are pixelated and no facial recognition technologies are used.'
Currently, the new checkout systems are being trialled at two stores in London, and Lidl said "it has no current plans to roll out the non-scan detection technology more widely".
Lidl has been contacted for further comment.
Tesco and Sainsbury's among other supermarkets using "VAR-style" checkouts
Lidl is not the only major supermarket in the UK using what shoppers have labelled the "VAR-style" checkouts.
Tesco rolled out the new technology back in May, just a few weeks after Sainsbury's.
Home Bargains also uses similar technology to tackle so-called "skip-scanning", The Grocer reported.
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The new self-service checkout systems have not gone down well with shoppers, with some taking to social media to share their thoughts.
One Tesco customer, posting on X (formerly Twitter), commented: "Shouldn't have to do these sort of things today in society."
While another added: "Just bring back staffed tills - simple option."
just bring back staffed tills - simple option. — HHUK (@Hosieryhangeruk) May 25, 2025
While this Sainsbury's customer said: "What a 's**t' way to treat customers. I won't use a self checkout again!"
Another posted: "This is the most ridiculous thing they have ever done they never learn people don't want to use self checkouts and it discriminates against the elderly and vulnerable when we they learn."
More changes coming to Lidl
The new self-service checkouts are not the only change coming to Lidl, with the supermarket giant also launching a new self-scanning feature integrated into the Lidl Plus app.
From September, the new feature will be tested across four UK stores, ahead of a phased rollout next year.
This will enable customers to scan products as they shop, track their spending and savings in real-time, and complete their purchases quickly at a self-checkout terminal—all through the existing Lidl Plus app.
Chief Executive Officer at Lidl GB, 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.
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"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.'
This latest innovation follows the successful pilot of Lidl GB's Click, Reserve & Collect service through Lidl Plus earlier this year, along with the rollout of self-checkouts across its stores.