Supermarket chain Lidl will start introducing self-scanning checkouts in its Belgian shops before the end of the year. The company put a previous pilot project on hold several years ago, but the company now says it has better technology.
Self-scanning checkouts will be installed at newly-renovated Lidl shops in Couillet (Wallonia), Hamme-Mille (just outside of Brussels) and Lokeren (Flanders) before the end of 2024. After that, the system will be rolled out in all stores in the coming years.
"With the introduction of self-service checkouts, we can reduce waiting times and increase shopping convenience. There will always be a colleague present at the self-service checkouts to help customers and ensure a smooth shopping experience," said Isabelle Colbrandt, spokesperson for Lidl Belgium & Luxembourg.
In addition to the self-service checkouts, the traditional checkouts will remain in place, where customers will still be able to pay with cash.
Credit: Belga / Siska Gremmelprez
The first self-service checkout will open on Thursday 20 November in the newly-renovated Lidl store in Couillet. Later this year, the renovated stores in Hamme-Mille and Lokeren will also offer self-service checkouts.
Four years ago, Lidl introduced self-scan checkouts in some of its shops as a pilot project, but the test showed that better technology was needed.
