The most modern Aldi only leaves customers with registration

No purchase without admission money? This message is circulating on Monday and is said to have already caused outrage. This is just a clever measure with which the most modern Aldi branch wants to prevent shoplifting.

The measure is part of a pilot project that the efficiency and safety of loading in the southern London district of Greenwich (England) should increase.

Aldi tests AI-based purchase

Because in the approximately 500 square meter “Shop & Go” shop with a chic design but a slimmed down offer does without Discounter Fully on staff and health insurers since January 18.

► The range focuses on convenience products. Prefabricated meals, drinks and drugstores are sold, but also some fresh articles. There are shopping carts in this Aldi Not, shopping is made directly in the pocket.

The discounter tests how the shopping process using Artificial intelligence (AI) can be largely automated. In Greenwich, customers have to register via an app and pay ten pounds (corresponds to around 12 euros). Nobody can go to the branch anonymously with it. That scares shopping thieves because they are so easy to identify.

“Entry money” is charged when purchasing

Only after registration do customers get a QR code with which they can open the swing doors for charging.

The supposed “entrance fee” is then charged with the purchases, the remaining amount automatically debited from the account or reimbursed within 48 hours. But that should still be a catch. There are reports of problems with the app and the reimbursements, which would lead to frustration among users.

System should ensure efficiency and security

The technology is fascinating: sensors and cameras automatically record the articles that are taken precisely and ki-supported. There is a facial recognition in the event that Alcoholic drinks bought want to become.

It remains to be seen whether the idea can prevail and other discounters can be imitated. Aldi Nord has already announced that this year a comparable shop in Utrecht (Holland) to open.