Aldi expands game-changing checkout move to new stores

The German supermarket has made the checkout change at select stores in one state as it considers rolling it out nationally.

Aldi has expanded its self-serve check-outs to nine more NSW supermarkets after a successful trial at an inner-Sydney store earlier this year.

The German supermarket is now considering rolling out self-serve check-outs nationally pending the results of these new store trials.

An Aldi spokesperson told news.com.au it had now installed six to eight self-service machines in 10 stores across NSW.

“The first store to receive the technology was Darlinghurst followed by North Sydney and Broadway,” they said.

The self-serve check-outs are now installed in 10 NSW Aldi stores. Picture: TikTok/@parcesydeny.

Aldi was committed to making “business decisions in line with our low-cost model so we can consistently provide high quality groceries at the lowest prices”, the spokesperson also said.

“Self-serve check-outs are a quick and convenient way for customers to shop. They also drive business efficiencies, freeing up employees to focus on customer service, stock replenishment and store presentation,” they said.

“Pending trial results, there is potential that self-serve check-outs will be rolled out to Aldi stores nationally.”

The new self-serve check-outs at Aldi’s Castle Hill store was noticed by one shopper on TikTok, whose video of the discovery has been viewed more than 272,000 times.

This shopper was excited to spot them at an Aldi in Castle Hill, Sydney. Picture: TikTok/@parcesydeny.

“OK finally no stress on Aldi cash register. Do get stress (sic) by yourself now,” @parcesydeny captioned the video.

The video got more than 200 comments from people excited to see more self-serve check-outs available.

“Finally Aldi getting self service, so I don’t have to get everything thrown at me,” another commented.

But some jokingly questioned whether there would be the same speedy checkout experience, with one person writing: “You have 15 seconds to scan next item or it fines you.”

Aldi checkout staff are famous for their speedy scanning. Picture: Claudia Baxter

The German supermarket began its trial of self-serve check-outs at the end of May, with Aldi Australia’s store operations director Robert Eichfeld saying at the time initial feedback was “overwhelmingly positive”.

“Shoppers also commented that they enjoyed the choice and appreciated the convenience of having a quick and easy option when only shopping for a few items,” he said.

“Since self-check-outs entered the Australian grocery sector we’ve been watching with keen interest the convenience they provide customers as well as the value and efficiencies they drive for business.”

It comes after Aldi previously said it had no plans to introduce self-service or smaller item checkout options.

Originally published as Aldi expands game-changing checkout move to new stores