Aldi Tests Cashierless Shopping with Refundable £10 Pre-Authorization Fee in UK

The pilot 'Shop & Go' concept in a London store uses AI and cameras to streamline shopping but has caused confusion among some customers.

Aldi's 'Shop & Go' pilot store in Greenwich, London, eliminates traditional checkouts, relying on AI and cameras to track purchases.
Customers must register via an app or contactless payment at the entrance, triggering a £10 pre-authorization fee to verify payment methods.
The £10 fee is deducted from the total shopping bill, with any unused amount refunded, though delays in refunds have caused frustration for some users.
The system aims to enhance efficiency and deter theft but has faced criticism for unclear communication and technical glitches during the test phase.
Similar cashierless shopping concepts are being explored by other retailers, but Aldi has not announced plans to expand 'Shop & Go' beyond the UK pilot.