Co-op to introduce 'scan and go' app meaning customers can skip checkout

Technology has been trialled at a Manchester store and could be rolled out across UK starting this summer

The app is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK to cover all items across a supermarket's range (Co-op)

Co-op is trialling a new “scan and go” app that allows shoppers to scan groceries on their phones and leave the store without visiting a checkout.

Co-op has partnered with Mastercard which will process payments for the app.

The app is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK to cover all items in a store. Sainsbury’s has trialled a similar system but only for its meal deal range at one store, while Waitrose offers customers the option to scan their own items but they still have to visit a till before they leave the shop.

Co-op has been trialling the system at a store inside its customer support centre in Manchester which is not open to the public. The member-owned group said it would seek to roll out pay-in-the-aisle technology to the public this summer.

“Scan and go” is part of a trend towards self-service and automation in retail that could see millions of jobs in the sector put under threat in coming years.

Amazon launched its own automated supermarket - Amazon Go - in Seattle this year. The e-commerce giant’s technology goes one stage further than Co-op's in that customers do not have to scan items; they simply take them off the shelves and the shop’s computer system works out the final bill.

Co-op’s director of retail support, Matthew Speight, said: “It is all about consumer choices and convenience.

“Our ambition is to harness technology to deliver the shopping experience that our diverse customer-base requires.

“We recognise there are many communities where customers pop in to their local Co-op and enjoy a friendly chat - it is all part of the service.

“Whereas for others, perhaps with a train to catch or on a school run, every second can count as consumers seek increased convenience.'