Budget supermarket Aldi is trialling its first cashierless store in the capital.

Technology being tested by the retailer will enable customers to scan a smartphone app to enter the store, pick up their shopping, and walk out of the store without the need to pay at the till.

After their visit, the customer will receive an email receipt and be charged automatically using their chosen payment method.

The concept rivals e-commerce giant Amazon’s “Just Walk Out Shopping” experience, which was first launched in London earlier this year.

Amazon Fresh convenience stores use a combination of cameras, sensors, and machine learning to detect when a customer puts items in their basket, and then automatically charges their account when they walk out.

In July, both Tesco and Morrisons announced plans to open till-free stores.

Lidl, which is Britain’s fifth-largest supermarket, said that employees are currently testing the store and further trials will be carried out by members of the public.

“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,” said Giles Hurley, chief executive, Aldi UK and Ireland. “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.”

The first concept store will employ approximately the same number of colleagues as a typical Aldi Local.

The announcement follows Aldi’s launch of click-and-collect last year, which is now available in over 200 Aldi stores across the UK.

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