ALDI has announced it is unveiling new technology in stores that could solve a big self-checkout issue.
The grocery store has teamed up with Grabango to launch its new checkout-free shopping system in one of its Chicago locations.
2
2
The store will now allow shoppers to avoid checkout lines completely.
Shoppers can fill their carts and pay for everything on ALDIgo, the store's app.
The technology works by using "computer vision to identify and keep track of every item in the store," so shoppers can avoid self-checkout or traditional registers, according to Grabango.
“The launch of ALDIgo is a pivotal moment for the grocery industry,” said Will Glaser, CEO of Grabango.
Read More on Aldi
“Although more challenging, it was important to us to launch this technology in a typical store and not one purpose-built for us.
"Aldi is one of the most innovative retailers in the world, and we are honored to partner with them to give their shoppers an exciting new way to shop the store.”
Aldi claims that it is the first grocery store to implement this new form of checkout.
The technology will be available in Aurora, Illinois.
Most read in The US Sun
FAMILY MAN Powerball winner is spending time with son after $1.7 billion lottery win
CHA-CHING Americans to get one-time payment up to $11,500 from data breach settlement
NEVER FORGET Columbine teacher who saved hundreds died due to 'chilling twist of fate'
CASHING OUT Theodorus Struyck seen for 1st time since $1.7b lotto win as he gets Taco Bell
Despite the major change, the grocery store's layout will remain the same.
“It’s exciting to see a checkout-free capability live in one of our stores, said Eric Traxler, vice president of IT at Aldi.
The Aldi Specialbuys hitting shelves this week - your garden will transform into an oasis & your home will smell fresh with these cheap buys
“Aldi is continuously looking for new ways to be innovative and provide a best-in-class experience for our shoppers, and ALDIgo is a great example of that in action.”
ALDI TAKEOVER
Aldi will be opening a new location at the Lawrenceville Shopping Center in Pittsburgh,replacing the long-time staple, Shop 'n Save, according to local ABC affiliate WTAE.
While there is no official date when the new store will officially open, the last day for Shop 'n Save will be May 13.
Lori Moran, the vice president of Ballymoney Real Estate Services, which owns the Lawrenceville Shopping Center confirmed the closure.
“The Lawrenceville Shopping Center will continue to serve the many retail and service needs of Lawrenceville and surrounding communities and, with the subdivision of the Shop'n Save space, will add more jobs and another 21,000 square feet (as yet undetermined) retail user to the current mix,which includes fitness, veterinary, salon, staffing, and variety stores," she said in a prepared statement.
"The current owner of the Shop'n Save has been a terrific operator since taking over in 2018," she added.
"And would have continued to serve our neighborhood for many years to come."
Moran said she looks at the closure as a "dynamic opportunity" for Aldi to take its space.
Other shoppers on Facebook couldn't agree more, welcoming the new change.
Read More on The US Sun
"Wowwonderful yesmy favorite store coming soon," one residentsaidon Facebook in response to the news about Aldi.
"Aldi rules....between it and the East End Co-op, I'm barely spending anything at Whole Foods Market. Free at last!" another said.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
