Aldi has launched a new pre-payment system at its checkout-free store in Greenwich, requiring shoppers to pay £10 upfront before entering. This deposit is later deducted from their final bill, or refunded if they spend less. However, customers have expressed frustration over potential delays in receiving refunds, with some reporting multiple charges due to app errors.
The trial, which applies to both app users and contactless shoppers, is designed to streamline transactions in Aldi’s high-tech Shop & Go store. While the retailer insists that refunds are processed within 48 hours, the change has sparked debate about the future of checkout-free shopping.
How the £10 Pre-Payment System Works
At Aldi’s Greenwich concept store, customers must make a pre-payment before entering. This system applies to:
- App users who generate a QR code for entry
- Contactless shoppers who tap their card at the entrance
The £10 is deducted from the final bill at checkout. If a customer spends less than £10 or leaves without purchasing anything, the remaining amount is refunded. However, the timing of refunds depends on individual banks, meaning some shoppers may wait several days before getting their money back.
Why Aldi Is Testing This System
Aldi first introduced checkout-free shopping at its Greenwich store in January 2022, using AI-powered cameras to track purchases and bill customers automatically. Initially, entry required downloading the Aldi Shop & Go app, but in 2023, the retailer added a contactless entry option.
The new £10 pre-payment model follows a similar system already used at Market Express in London’s Excel Centre, which also requires pre-authorisation before allowing customers inside.
Aldi has defended the change, explaining that the deposit system helps verify payment methods and ensures a smoother shopping experience.
“This is a concept store that opened in 2022 and is designed so that shoppers don’t have to manually pay for items – they can simply place things in the basket and the store’s camera technology registers the purchase without them having to go to a till.”
Customer Reactions and Concerns
Despite Aldi’s assurances, the pre-payment system has divided opinion among shoppers. Some have reported issues with multiple charges, particularly when accidentally pressing the app button more than once before entering. Others are concerned about the potential delay in refunds, especially for those who decide not to make a purchase.
Additionally, Aldi’s terms and conditions do not specify upfront how much is being pre-authorised, which has led to complaints from customers who feel they were not adequately warned before entering the store.
The Future of Checkout-Free Supermarkets
Aldi is not alone in experimenting with till-free shopping. Amazon launched its Just Walk Out stores with ambitious plans for 260 UK locations, but later scaled back its expansion. Tesco also operates four hybrid checkout-free GetGo stores, but the concept has yet to become mainstream.
Aldi’s CEO, Giles Hurley, has indicated that the retailer’s future focus will likely shift towards expanding self-checkouts, rather than rolling out more fully automated stores.
What’s Next for Aldi’s Shop & Go Concept?
While Aldi insists the trial is designed to improve the shopping experience, it remains unclear whether the £10 deposit system will be expanded to other stores.
For now, customers using the Greenwich checkout-free store should be aware of:
- The £10 pre-payment requirement before entry
- Possible delays in receiving refunds if spending less than £10
- The risk of multiple charges if tapping the app button more than once
As checkout-free shopping evolves, retailers will need to balance innovation with customer convenience, ensuring that new technology does not create unnecessary barriers for shoppers.
