Aldi UK tests out checkout free concept store in Greenwich, London

Aldi UK has announced Greenwich, London as the location for its first ever checkout free store.

This will use a system of cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence to identify the items customers take from shelves, alleviating the need to pay at a till.

The trial was first announced last week, although a press release did not mention an exact location, or which tech firm Aldi is working with on the project.

The latter point remains unclear. But the discount retailer did reveal that staff are currently involved in the test, and further testing will be carried out with the public.

Giles Hurley, CEO at Aldi UK and Ireland, pictured above, says: “We are always looking to redefine what it means to be a discount retailer, and the technology involved in this trial will give us a wealth of learnings.”

“We are really excited to be testing this concept that will enable customers to pick from our range of quality products, all available at unbeatable prices, then leave the store without having to pay at a till.”

It comes as Aldi pledged to invest £1.3 billion over the next two years in a bid to further accelerate its share of the UK grocery market.

The plans are expected to create more than 2,000 new jobs next year.

In its annual trading update, Aldi said sales in the UK and Ireland had grown 10.2% to a record £13.5 billion in the year to 31st December 2020 (2019: £12.3 billion).

It will continue to grow its retail estate with 100 new stores across the UK over the next two years, as well as expanding its logistics infrastructure, including a new 1.3 million sq ft site in Leicestershire.

Further investment is also being made into Aldi’s Click and Collect service.