Lidl has expanded its self-scanning tool Lidl & Go to more stores across the United Kingdom. The feature, accessible through the Lidl Plus app, enables shoppers to scan items using their mobile phone before proceeding to a checkout, thereby saving time.
Expansion Details
The supermarket initially conducted a friends and family trial in three stores last year. Following its success, Lidl has now confirmed a wider rollout. Lidl & Go is currently available in seven stores located in Airdrie, Cardiff, Epsom, Glenrothes, Kingston, Guildford, and Eastleigh.
Louise Weise, Chief Customer Officer at Lidl GB, commented: This trial represents another step forward in our digital evolution, providing shoppers with a smarter, faster, and more flexible shopping experience. As we continue to invest in Lidl Plus, our focus remains on simplifying and rewarding the shopping journey. Whether customers prefer a traditional checkout, self-service, or the autonomy of self-scanning, our priority is to offer the flexibility to shop on their own terms.
Loyalty Scheme Overhaul
This development follows a major revamp of Lidl's loyalty programme. Lidl Plus users now earn one point for every pound spent in store. These points can be converted into coupons for free products or used as money off a shop. For example, 100 points currently earn a free cucumber, plain tortilla wraps, or houmous; 200 points can be redeemed for free halloumi or Greek yoghurt; 300 points provide three pounds off the next shop; and 500 points offer five pounds off. Points remain valid for two years and replace the previous system of rewards based on monthly spending thresholds.
Under the old scheme, customers received a free sweet bakery item after spending ten pounds, a free fresh vegetable after fifty pounds, and a ten percent discount on the next shop after spending 250 pounds. Lidl Plus continues to offer personalised discount coupons on selected products.
While Lidl states the new system offers greater flexibility, some customers have expressed concerns that they may need to spend more to obtain certain rewards. For instance, a free brownie currently requires 90 points, equating to 90 pounds in spending. A Lidl spokesperson noted that users often earn more than one point per pound due to promotions such as Rewards of the Week, double points, triple points, or free points on selected items.
