Aldi Shop & Go stores go hybrid as retailer places customer choice at forefront of checkout-free push

Aldi is making changes to its Shop & Go checkout-free stores, moving from a tap in to a hybrid experience.

In a LinkedIn post, Lennart Hoffmann, Lead Engineer Seamless Stores at Aldi DX, said: “Since opening our first checkout-free Shop & Go store in London in 2022, we have continuously evolved the customer experience to make shopping faster, easier, and more convenient. After introducing tap in during December 2023, we are excited to announce the next big step in our journey: Shop & Go is going hybrid.”

He added: “Our new hybrid store model puts customer choice at the forefront - keeping the ease of checkout-free shopping while bringing the concept closer to the traditional Aldi shopping experience.”

As with any other Aldi store, customers can now just walk in. At the exit, they can choose how they want to pay: use the retailer’s app or tap on a fast lane, or try new self-checkout terminals. These let people manually scan their items or use an AiFi powered checkout system.

Hoffmann added: “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. We’re proud of this milestone and look forward to welcoming customers to the new Shop & Go experience.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Checkout-free stores will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.