Lidl adjusts its cash registers' operations - discussing cash updates
Lidl, the popular supermarket chain, is making significant strides in modernising its in-store experience. The company plans to expand its "Scan & Go" system nationwide, allowing customers to scan and pay for their products themselves [1][2]. This innovation is set to free up time for better customer service and more order in the branches.
The self-service checkout with cash payments primarily operates through Lidl's Lidl Plus app's "Self Scanning" feature. Shoppers can scan items using their mobile devices while shopping, eliminating the need for a store employee to scan items at the checkout counter [1][2]. After self-scanning, customers pay for their goods at the checkout area, where coupons and discounts are applied during payment.
Regarding cash payments, the system ends with payment at the checkout, which can include cash. However, the details on exact cash handling at self-service points are not fully detailed in the available information. The system effectively reduces wait times by allowing customers to scan items as they shop, thus bypassing traditional scanning queues [1][2].
Lidl is also installing new exit barriers in branches equipped with self-service checkouts to deter shoplifting. These exit barriers only open if the barcode on the cash register receipt is successfully scanned, whether on paper or digitally via the Lidl Plus app [1][2].
The expansion of "Scan & Go via smartphone" is a part of the broader technological shift in Lidl's stores. So far, this option is only available at around ten locations, but this number is expected to increase significantly [1][2]. New customers who use the mobile "Scan & Go" option will receive a 5 euro voucher after their first purchase.
The change in Lidl's checkout system was initially a small test run in 2023, but it is now becoming a nationwide change. Lidl has found a solution for the technical problem, allowing cash payments at the self-service terminal, which was previously a hindrance [1][2]. The new service cashiers for Lidl's "Scan & Go" system, designed for returns and special products like CO2 cylinders, are currently being tested in the first branches.
In addition to these changes, Lidl plans to open over 200 more branches by February 2026 [3]. The new service cashiers, reported to be simple but functional, are part of Lidl's efforts to streamline the checkout process and provide a more efficient shopping experience for its customers.
It is unclear whether other stores besides Lidl are also implementing similar changes to their checkout systems. However, the expansion of the "Scan & Go" system at Lidl is expected to make the shopping experience easier for many customers.
[1] Lebensmittelzeitung, (2023). Lidl will expand self-scanning nationwide. Retrieved from https://www.lebensmittelzeitung.de/news/lidl-will-expands-self-scanning-nationwide-10444718
[2] Supermarket News, (2023). Lidl to implement self-service checkout with cash payments. Retrieved from https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-details/lidl-to-implement-self-service-checkout-with-cash-payments
[3] Retail Gazette, (2023). Lidl to open 200 more stores by 2026. Retrieved from https://www.retailgazette.co.uk/blog/2023/01/lidl-to-open-200-more-stores-by-2026/
- The technological shift in Lidl's stores includes the expansion of the "Scan & Go" system, which is common in retail and technology industries, and the integration of finance solutions by accepting cash payments.
- With the successful implementation of self-service checkout and exit barriers, Lidl is poised to reduce wait times in the finance sector, enhance retail efficiency, and combat shoplifting, thereby modernising the industry as a whole.
