Checkout-free Shopping: Aldi shows first full-size grocery store retrofit

Berkeley / CA. (gra) Jointly with Aldi Inc., subsidiary of Aldi Süd Group, technology expert Grabango Co. has launched «ALDIgo» checkout-free shopping at a Chicago-area grocery store. Aldi is the first major U.S. grocery retailer to deploy checkout-free technology in an existing, full-size store. The technology, which the grocery retailer deployed at one suburban location, allows shoppers to skip the line and save time.

«The launch of «ALDIgo» is a pivotal moment for the grocery industry,» said Will Glaser, CEO of Grabango. «Although more challenging, it was important to us to launch this technology in a typical store and not one purpose-built for us. Aldi is one of the most innovative retailers in the world, and we are honored to partner with them to give their shoppers an exciting new way to shop the store.»

(Photo: Grabango Company)

The Grabango system was added to an existing Aldi store without the need to make any changes to the store’s planogram or product displays. The technology, which uses computer vision to identify and keep track of every item in the store, allows shoppers to exit the store without waiting in line or scanning items.

«It’s exciting to see a checkout-free capability live in one of our stores,» said Eric Traxler, Vice President of IT at Aldi. «We are continuously looking for new ways to be innovative and provide a best-in-class experience for our shoppers, and «ALDIgo» is a great example of that in action.»

The «ALDIgo» store is open to the public in Aurora (IL) near Chicago. To use «ALDIgo», customers shop at Aldi as they normally do for their weekly groceries. There are no special shelves, carts, or gates at the entrance. When done, shoppers can pay with either their credit or debit card, or with the Grabango app, at the pay station near the exit. Alternatively, they have the option to check out with a traditional cashier.