Aldi has confirmed that its checkout-free 'Shop & Go' trial in Greenwich, London, has ended as planned after four years. The store, which opened in 2022, allowed customers to skip traditional checkouts by using the Aldi Shop&Go app, which automatically charged them upon leaving.
The system relied on 330 AI HD cameras to track items picked up or put down by shoppers. Customers could exit through an automatic barrier without using staffed or self-service tills. However, the trial has now concluded, and the store will continue operating as an Aldi Local.
An Aldi spokesperson told The Grocer: 'Whilst our Shop & Go trial has now come to an end as planned, our Greenwich High Road store will remain open as an Aldi Local, ensuring customers can still get everything they need at unbeatable Aldi prices.'
The concept was designed to offer a seamless shopping experience, but Aldi has shifted focus to a hybrid model introduced last year. In a post, Lennart Hoffmann, Lead Engineer Seamless Stores at Aldi DX, explained that the hybrid store allows customers to choose between using the app, a fast lane, or self-checkout terminals with manual scanning or AI-powered systems.
Hoffmann said: 'This evolution reflects our commitment to understanding and responding to the needs of our customers. We’re offering more flexibility to suit different shopping preferences while maintaining speed and convenience.'
