Lidl Trials Smartphone Scanning Feature in Four Stores

Lidl plans to add self-scanning to its Lidl Plus app, letting customers scan items while shopping and pay at self-checkout.

The feature launches with a friends and family trial in September across four stores. A broader rollout follows next year if testing goes well.

Shoppers can scan products as they shop, track spending in real-time, and see savings accumulate. Payment happens through existing self-checkout machines using the same app.

Ryan McDonnell, Lidl GB chief executive, said in Retail Gazette: “Whether customers prefer the traditional checkout, self-service or self scanning, at Lidl, they are always in control of how they shop.

The update builds on Lidl’s existing app, which already handles loyalty rewards and digital coupons. Adding self-scanning means customers won’t need to download separate apps or learn new systems.

Other retailers have introduced similar features. Tesco’s “Scan as you Shop” and Sainsbury’s “SmartShop” let customers skip traditional checkout by scanning items on their phones.

The September trial will show whether Lidl shoppers want this convenience. Success could speed up the 2025 rollout to more stores across Britain.