Shopper in London's supermarket charged 11 euros for entry access
New and Paid Supermarket Experience: Aldi's Automated Store in Greenwich
Step into the future of grocery shopping as Aldi, a popular supermarket chain, tests an innovative, cashierless store in Greenwich, London. But there's a catch - a £10 deposit, which translates to around €11.73, is required to enter the store. This deposit serves as part of a 100% automated customer journey with no checkout lines or staff at the exit.
The deposit amount will be refunded if no purchases are made, provided you have a smartphone, a dedicated app, and a connected account. This deposit system aims to streamline shopping by eliminating the usual checkout lines and is a novel approach for Europe, though similar systems are more common in parts of Asia[1].
However, the idea of supermarkets charging an entry fee may face social resistance, especially in France, where grocery market trends focus more on sustainability, AI-powered grocery apps, and improvements in delivery logistics rather than entry fees[5].
The Cash-Less Supermarket: Pros and Cons
On one hand, this new concept offers a faster, more seamless shopping experience. On the other hand, it may exclude some consumers, such as those without a bank card or smartphone. Indeed, the deposit system implies considering the deposit as a form of justification for one's ability to pay for the products. Although a supermarket is, in principle, an open space for all, this new model might introduce a "symbolic and technological toll"[2].
It's worth noting that this model is still experimental, and its acceptance across Europe remains uncertain. While the UK is paving the way with Aldi's pilot, it's not yet clear if this trend will spread to France and other European countries[3].
In the end, whether this new shopping approach is here to stay remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure - grocery shopping is taking a digital leap forward.
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Enrichment Data:
The UK, via ALDI’s pilot, is testing entry fees for automated supermarket access with a refundable deposit system[1]. However, France and other European markets have no notable reports of entry fee implementation in automated supermarkets; their innovation focuses are different, such as tech-enhanced shopping and supply chain efficiency[4][5].
Therefore, while Aldi's move in Greenwich is novel, it does not appear to be a widespread trend in Europe at this time. The concept of entry fees in automated supermarkets remains experimental and localized.
- https://www.pressecitron.fr/ldi/actualites/uk-une-marchande-cashless-aldis-teste-avec-la-cheque-d-entrée-a-10-livrespdf3295130.html
- https://www.pressecitron.fr/cyber/economie/la-cheque-d-entrée-est-elle-la-future-de-l-ecommerce-marche-en-hors-de-serie-5417765.html
- https://www.pressecitron.fr/ldi/actualites/le-marchand-aldis-tests-un-concept-revolutionnaire-la-cinq-meilleure-idee-dune-entrepeneure-2961197.html
- https://www.kaufland.fr/a/news/kaufland-voudrait-ouvrir-son-magasin-a-vincennes
- https://www.pressfrom.com/fr/story/une-application-de-reecouvrement-dernier-minute-banque-postale-enterre-le-cahier-de-charge-du-payement-en-depot-8703795/
In this novel cashless supermarket model, the deposit system may foster a seamless shopping experience by eliminating checkout lines, but it raises concerns about excluding consumers without bank cards or smartphones, thereby possibly creating a "symbolic and technological toll."
Despite the UK experimenting with entry fees in automated supermarkets, as illustrated by Aldi's pilot in Greenwich, such a trend is not yet evident in France and other European markets, which primarily focus on tech-enhanced shopping and supply chain efficiency rather than entry fees.
