Lidl has introduced a new self-scanning feature in its loyalty app that can potentially reduce waiting time at the checkout counter. Shoppers now have the option to scan items using their smartphones through the app before making their payment at the register. The initial trial of this feature was conducted with select participants earlier this year and is anticipated to be rolled out more widely next year.
In a strategic move, Lidl has applied for a trademark named “Lidl & Go” in Europe and the UK, focusing on digital payment methods and scan-and-shop systems within its stores. Shyam Unarket, the Customer Relations Director at Lidl GB, expressed enthusiasm about the integration of payment functionality into the Lidl Plus app, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to enhancing the digital shopping experience for customers.
Whether customers prefer the traditional checkout lanes or opt for self-checkout options, Lidl aims to provide a seamless and flexible shopping journey tailored to individual preferences.
Meanwhile, Lidl has secured the title of the cheapest supermarket in a comparison study conducted by Which? for the second time in recent months, surpassing its competitor Aldi. A basket of 70 items at Lidl averaged £120.46 in October, slightly lower for Lidl Plus members at £120.38, whereas the same items at Aldi averaged £121. This analysis included a mix of branded and own-label products like Birds Eye Peas, Hovis bread, milk, and butter.
In comparison, Tesco customers would have paid £134.89 last month or £133.38 with a Clubcard, while Sainsbury’s shoppers faced a bill of £139.68 or £136.79 with a Nectar card. Notably, Aldi and Lidl were excluded from a larger comparison of 187 items due to their narrower product range relative to other supermarkets.
This move highlights Lidl’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-centric strategies in the competitive retail landscape.