Lidl Introduces Self-Scanning Feature to Enhance In-Store Experience
Lidl has taken a significant step in transforming its in-store experience by introducing a new self-scanning feature. This innovative addition will be available at self-checkout stations within the budget supermarket’s UK stores and is integrated directly into the discounter’s loyalty app, Lidl Plus. The feature aims to provide customers with a more efficient and flexible shopping experience.
Starting from September, the new feature will undergo a friends and family trial across four stores. Following this, it will be rolled out in phases throughout 2026. The self-scanning function allows customers to scan products as they shop, track their spending and savings in real time, and complete their purchases quickly at a self-checkout terminal—all through the existing Lidl Plus app.
Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl GB, commented: “This marks a significant leap forward in our digital evolution. Integrated into Lidl Plus, it’s designed to offer customers a smarter, faster, and more flexible way to shop. We’re investing heavily in technologies that simplify everyday life, while always offering our customers different options to suit their shopping preferences. Whether customers prefer the traditional checkout, self-service or self scanning, at Lidl, they are always in control of how they shop.”
This latest innovation follows the successful pilot of Lidl GB’s Click, Reserve & Collect service through Lidl Plus earlier this year, along with the rollout of self-checkouts across its stores. These developments highlight Lidl’s commitment to improving customer convenience and adapting to changing shopping habits.
Since establishing itself in the UK in 1994, Lidl GB has experienced continuous growth. Today, it has over 35,000 employees, over 980 stores, and 14 distribution centres in England, Scotland, and Wales. As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. Globally, the supermarket has around 375,000 employees and operates over 12,350 stores and more than 225 logistics centres and warehouses in 31 countries.
The company aims to provide its customers with good quality products at low prices throughout the UK. This commitment is reflected in its ongoing efforts to expand and improve its store network.
New Store in Ellesmere Port
Plans to build a new Lidl store in Ellesmere Port recently received approval. The site of the current Great Sutton Medical Practice on Old Chester Road will be the newest location in the region. The soon-to-be-demolished GP surgery will make way for the new development following the opening of a cutting-edge medical centre across the street later in the year. This new facility will also include a revamped village hall and scout hut.
The opening of the Lidl shop is anticipated to generate up to 30 local job opportunities, providing a mix of full-time and part-time positions. While the existing layout offers 60 parking bays, the new design plans to expand this to 80 spaces to accommodate both staff and shoppers.
Planning case officer Jo Redmond from Cheshire West and Chester Council stated: “The principle of the site’s redevelopment for a food retail store is acceptable on the basis that the site is located within the Great Sutton Local Retail Centre. The development would be consistent with the scale and role of the local centre, and it is accepted that the proposed development would not harm the vitality and viability of Ellesmere Port Town Centre.”
She added: “It is considered that the design, layout and scale of the proposed building would respect the character and protect the visual amenity of the local area. The proposals would not result in significant harm to protected species, highway safety, drainage, trees, or residential amenity (subject to conditions). Overall, taking into account the above matters the proposals are considered to provide a sustainable form of development. Having regard to the development plan and all other material considerations it is recommended that the application for planning permission is approved.”
