A budget supermarket is planning a huge change when you pay at the tills. Lidl is all set to introduce a new scan and shop service.
The chain said it will be branded “Lidl Pay” and will work within the supermarket’s rewards app, Lidl Plus. The service will function as a digital wallet and mobile payment service, with the supermarket stating that this will enable shoppers to scan products and make secure payments at Lidl through their phones.
A four-store trial launched in September, ahead of a planned rollout next year. This same system is used in other supermarkets such as Asda, Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, where customers can use their phone or an electronic terminal to shop.
Morrisons also joined the fray last year, with trials in six stores.
Lidl will be the first discount supermarket to offer this service, as Aldi currently doesn’t have it.
Shyam Unarket, customer relations director at Lidl GB, said: “The integration of payment functionality into the Lidl Plus app represents a step forward in our digital evolution.
“We are committed to investing in technologies that simplify the customer journey and offer greater flexibility in how people shop with us.
“Whether customers prefer using traditional tills or self-checkouts, we want to ensure that every shopper can choose the experience that best suits them.”
This comes as Lidl overtook Aldi to claim the title of Britain’s cheapest supermarket, according to Which?, marking the second time in recent months it has secured the top spot.
A basket of 70 items at Lidl averaged £120.46 in October, dropping to £120.38 for Lidl Plus loyalty scheme members. The same shopping list at Aldi totalled £121 on average.
Despite this, Aldi has dominated the rankings, being named cheapest supermarket 22 times over the past 24 months, Which? analysis shows. The 70-item basket featured a mix of branded and own-label products, including Birds Eye Peas, Hovis bread, milk and butter.
By comparison, Tesco customers would have spent £134.89 last month, reduced to £133.38 with a Clubcard, whilst Sainsbury’s shoppers faced a bill of £139.68, or £136.79 with a Nectar card.