Lidl gives self-scanning another go

Lidl is going to equip three Belgian branches with self-scanning checkouts before the end of this year. The discounter also seeks to implement a self-scanning solution throughout Europe.

Charleroi first

Lidl is not new to self-scanning: a two-year trial of self-scanning checkouts in ten Belgian stores was discontinued in 2022. While the retailer said it was shifting investments, insiders also mentioned a problem with theft. Meanwhile, however, improved technology is available and is now being implemented.

Customers can use the new self-scanning checkouts to scan their products themselves and checkout electronically. The revamped Lidl shop in Couillet (Charleroi) has started using the first new Scan & Go this week. Two more stores will follow before the end of this year, and the discounter plans a wider roll-out of the system in the coming years.

Staff present

“With the introduction of self-scanning checkouts, we can reduce waiting times and increase shopping convenience. A member of staff will always be present at the self-scanning checkouts to help customers and ensure a smooth shopping experience”, spokeswoman Isabelle Colbrandt said. Customers will also still always be able to use traditional cash registers with service, where they can pay with cash, the retailer stresses.

Self-scanning checkouts are controversial: some retailers (like Jumbo and Action) have introduced measures to counter a growing fraud problem, or are even removing the systems from “problematic” branches. On the other hand, “believers’ like the Belgian Colruyt Group is going to roll out self-scanning checkouts widely, both in Okay City shops and larger branches of its proximity store chain Okay.

The German discounter is looking at other self-scanning options as well: as a tool in its Lidl Plus app, the scan&go function has been tested in Germany and will be implemented throughout Europe soon.