Tesco, the UK’s largest supermarket chain, has launched its first checkout-free store to the public in London’s High Holborn.
The FTSE 100 company, led by Ken Murphy, said visitors to the 2000 square feet shop with the Tesco app will be able to check in to the branch, pick up groceries, and leave without using a physical in-store till.
Instead once shoppers leave, they will be charged to the card linked with their Tesco grocery app. They will receive a receipt within minutes of exiting the store.
Cameras and weight-sensors will be used to see what people have bought, and help the retailer calculate the bill. The company is working with Trigo, which builds AI-powered products for retail stores.
Tesco joins rivals in using technology aimed at giving customers more payment options, with Amazon this year having opened six till-free branches in London, and Aldi trialling a concept in Greenwich.
The GetGo shop will only offer a checkout-free experience, so shoppers will need to have the app to make purchases. The existing store was cashless and people used self service tills.
Tesco said the launch follows a trial at its store used by staff within the group’s Welwyn Garden City HQ.
Kevin Tindall, managing director, Tesco Convenience, told the Evening Standard said: “Our High Holborn store is really popular with customers who want to pop in and grab a meal deal on their lunch break, or something for dinner on the way home. Our new seamless checkout system will make this even quicker and easier, saving them valuable checkout and queuing time.”
Tindall said this is currently just a one-store trial, but added: “We’re looking forward to seeing how our customers respond.”
Today’s update comes after a report in the Summer said the retailer had refurbished its Tesco Express site in High Holborn with new pay gates and a host of cameras installed in the ceiling.
