After years of testing different systems and processes in Portugal, the UK, France and the Netherlands, Lidl has now apparently found its way forward for Scan&Go: self-scanning is coming to Europe as a feature of Lidl Plus, the discounter’s loyalty app. As the Retail Optimiser learnt, Lidl developed the functionality inhouse based on its point-of-sale software platform from GK.
Lidl’s Scan&Go is now really coming. However, the implementation in the stores requires that self-checkouts are already installed there. Scan&Go users can only pay there. The unavoidable, randomised spot checks are to be carried out by the employees who supervise the self-checkout area, as are the age checks. The Schwarz Group owned discount store operator has abandoned the idea of Scan&Go users simply leaving the stores and paying online automatically because of the increased risk of theft, the Retail Optimiser was told by project members of the retail company.
Lidl is currently introducing self-checkouts on a large scale in numerous European countries with its partners 4POS and Itab – including in Germany. The Retail Optimiser has reported on this in detail. Some of the devices also allow cash payments to be made at integrated Glory cash recyclers.
Ready for Scan&Go via Lidl Plus
The largest grocery retail banner operation in Europe has recently updated the terms and conditions of its Lidl Plus programme for numerous countries. The Scan&Go option can now be found there — also for Germany. The colleagues of Polish trade magazine Wiadomości Handlowe were the first to report on this — in relation to their country.
The updated fine print of Lidl Plus confirms that Scan&Go will come in the way the discounter has been testing it in the Netherlands since last year. As of today, the system can be used in five stores there: two stores in Apeldoorn and one store each in Beuningen, Almere and Arnhem.
Scanning shelf labels at the bakery
Lidl Scan&Go will only be available to registered users of the Lidl Plus app. For the sale of goods sold by weight without a barcode, the discounter is setting up additional scales in the fruit and vegetable section, where customers can print out a label with a barcode themselves. For baked goods and fresh produce sold by the unit without a barcode on the item, the system user has to scan the barcode on the price label at the shelf. This may sound complicated, but it should be much easier than the current selection of baked goods on the self-checkout display.
Before Lidl Plus users can start self-scanning, they have to register with the specific store. To do this, they can simply share their geolocation with the app or scan a QR code in the store entrance. Lidl explicitly admits to its customers that price differences are the reason why purchases have to be assigned to a specific store. However, Lidl only speaks of possible price deviations by region during sales promotions.
Self-scanning only via app
Under the same name Scan&Go, Lidl had a trial of self-scanning using proprietary handheld devices in the Netherlands in October 2019, which is very common in grocery retailing in that country. Lidl is no longer pursuing this approach, but will bring all Scan&Go to the Lidl Plus app.
In August 2021, Lidl had trialled another app-based self-scanning service called ‘Lidl Go’ at its store in the Fulwell district of London – however, only company employees were able to test the solution.
