Lidl is expanding its smartphone-powered self-checkout system, Lidl & Go, to 37 additional stores across Scotland, the South East, and the wider South of England throughout July. The rollout follows what the discount retailer described as a successful initial pilot that began in late 2024.
How Lidl & Go Works
Integrated into the Lidl Plus app, the feature allows customers to scan their own groceries using their mobile phones as they walk around the supermarket. Shoppers can track their spending in real time and pay at the end of their shop without needing to unload items for a second scan. According to Lidl, the system aims to save time and reduce stress, particularly for those who find it challenging to keep up with the speed of traditional checkout staff.
Positive Feedback from Pilot Stores
Feedback from the first seven trial stores indicated that the feature was especially popular with parents and budget-conscious customers. Louise Weise, chief customer officer at Lidl GB, stated: 'The early response… has been really encouraging. Customers are telling us they value the control and visibility it gives them over their spend, and the flexibility to shop at their own pace. This next wave of stores brings the feature to many more customers, and we'll continue to take on board feedback to evolve the offering as we go.'
List of 37 Stores Receiving Lidl & Go in July
- Windmill Street, Motherwell
- Kelso
- Seafield Road, Edinburgh
- Bucksburn, Aberdeen
- Torry, Aberdeen
- Inverness
- Lochee, Dundee
- Dumfries
- St James Street, East Kilbride
- Bellshill
- Larkhall
- Whitburn
- Alderstone Road, Livingston
- Stevenston
- Greenock
- Weaver Row, Stirling
- Kirkcaldy
- Riggs Road, Perth
- Macalpine Road, Dundee
- East Grinstead
- Sevenoaks
- Woolston
- Gosport
- Somerford Road, Christchurch
- Ocean Retail Park, Portsmouth
- Waterlooville
- Hayling Island
- Arundel Road, Brighton
- Old Shoreham Road, Brighton
- Shoreham
- Alton
- Farnborough
- Worting Road, Basingstoke
- Reading Road, Basingstoke
- Churchill Way West, Salisbury
- Burgess Hill
- Billingshurst
Mixed Reactions from Customers
While Lidl emphasises that staffed tills and traditional payment methods will remain available, the move towards tech-assisted shopping has drawn criticism. One Reddit user commented: 'The app barely works as it is for me – wonder how it will handle this.' An alleged Lidl employee claimed 'it's going to suck,' and another added: 'I think it's going to put some people off shopping in our store.' A customer whose local supermarket was part of the pilot wrote: 'They're absolutely awful. Queues are worse.' Others raised concerns about poor mobile reception, buying age-restricted items, and security. However, some shoppers expressed enthusiasm, calling the feature 'fantastic' for smaller shops and noting it 'saves a lot of time' once people adjust. One happy commenter said: 'I think it's great. So much easier just to scan stuff and put it straight in your bags.'
Part of a Wider Industry Trend
Lidl's expansion is part of a broader investment in automated shopping across UK supermarkets. Tesco, Asda, Waitrose, Sainsbury's, and M&S have all introduced self-service checkouts, app-based scanning, and digital payment systems, often sparking controversy. For instance, long queues at a Cornwall Asda store led to a customer walkout last year, while Tesco's automatic security scales for Scan as you Shop users were labelled 'dystopian' online. Upmarket retailers like Waitrose and Sainsbury's have faced backlash over AI trolleys and facial recognition at checkouts, and M&S was accused of turning shopping into a 'sterile chore' after rolling out self-scanners.
Anti-Automation Backlash
Amid growing anti-automation sentiment, Anda Jansen started a petition calling for supermarkets to restore balance with more manned, cash-accepting tills. The petition garnered over 72,000 signatures in a matter of weeks. Jansen commented: 'Companies call it “modernising,” but really, they're narrowing choice and quietly excluding anyone who doesn't fit into their digital-first model.'
Lidl's Commitment to Choice
Despite the backlash, Lidl has stressed that Lidl & Go is an addition designed to 'elevate the entire shopping journey' and will not replace traditional tills. The rollout is the latest phase in the retailer's digital push, which also includes Lidl Pay, personalised app coupons, Click, Reserve & Collect, and the recently launched Lidl Points rewards scheme.
