Lidl has expanded its Lidl & Go self-scanning feature to more stores across the UK, allowing shoppers to scan products on their phones while they shop and complete payment at self-checkout terminals. The feature is integrated into the Lidl Plus app and is part of the retailer’s wider investment in digital shopping tools.
The supermarket said the rollout follows an earlier “friends and family” trial and forms part of its ongoing changes to in-store shopping and customer rewards. The expansion also comes days after Lidl introduced a new points-based loyalty system for Lidl Plus users.
Lidl & Go is now available in seven stores located in Airdrie, Cardiff, Epsom, Glenrothes, Kingston, Guildford and Eastleigh. Customers using the feature can scan products as they move around the shop, track spending in real time and complete payment at self-service checkouts through the Lidl Plus app.
According to Lidl GB, the self-scanning tool is intended to provide customers with more flexibility in how they shop. The retailer first announced the technology in July 2025, when it confirmed a trial would begin in selected stores before a phased rollout.
Louise Weise, chief customer officer at Lidl GB, said the latest expansion represented “another step forward” in the company’s digital plans. She said the supermarket wanted to give shoppers “a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to shop” while continuing to support traditional checkouts and self-service options.
Lidl Links Self-Scanning Feature to Wider Digital Strategy
The rollout of Lidl & Go follows a series of technology-focused changes introduced by the supermarket over the past year. According to Lidl GB, the company has also expanded self-checkouts across stores and previously trialled a Click, Reserve & Collect service through the Lidl Plus app.
When Lidl first announced the self-scanning feature in 2025, chief executive Ryan McDonnell said the system would allow customers to “track their spending and savings in real time” before completing purchases through self-checkout terminals. The retailer said the current phase of the Lidl & Go rollout would help provide feedback and operational insights before any further expansion. Lidl has not announced a full nationwide launch date.
According to information released by the company, Lidl GB currently operates more than 980 stores across England, Scotland and Wales and employs over 35,000 people. The business is part of the Schwarz retail group, which operates more than 12,350 stores globally.
Loyalty Scheme Changes Prompt Mixed Reaction from Shoppers
The expansion of Lidl & Go comes shortly after Lidl introduced changes to its Lidl Plus rewards programme. Under the updated system, shoppers now earn one point for every £1 spent in store, with points redeemable for discounts or selected free products.
Examples currently available through the app include free items such as cucumber, tortilla wraps and houmous for 100 points. Customers with 300 points can receive £3 off a future shop, while 500 points can be exchanged for £5 off.
According to reports from The Mirror and The Grocer, the new points system replaces Lidl’s previous rewards structure based on monthly spending thresholds. Under the older model, shoppers could unlock rewards such as bakery items, vegetables or percentage discounts after reaching set spending amounts.
Some customers have questioned whether certain rewards now require higher spending levels than before. The Grocer reported that Lidl responded by noting shoppers may earn additional points through promotions including double points, triple points and weekly bonus offers available within the app.
