Lidl introduces Scan & Go: Will it revolutionize shopping in Heilbronn?

Lidl introduces Scan & Go: Will it revolutionize shopping in Heilbronn?

The digital revolution in the supermarket has now reached Lidl! The discounter from Bad Wimpfen is bringing the innovative Scan & Go payment system to its branches. Customers can simply scan their products using an app and pack them directly into their shopping bags. At the end of the purchase, all you have to do is scan the app at the self-checkout - quick, easy and time-saving!

But not everything is as rosy as it seems. The Baden-Württemberg consumer advice center expresses sharp criticism of this new system. The app is not accessible to everyone and many customers feel disadvantaged because the attractive discounts only apply to app users. “We receive numerous complaints from consumers who feel discriminated against because they do not want to disclose their data,” explains a spokeswoman for the consumer advice center.

Focus on data collection

Another hot topic: data collection! Anyone who uses the app must be aware that their shopping behavior is being closely tracked. Professor Stephan Rüschen from the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University warns that artificial intelligence creates personalized coupons that are tailored to individual purchasing behavior. “The supermarkets want to understand and analyze their target groups better,” says Rüschen.

Although the Scan & Go system is already being tested in a Lidl branch in Neckarsulm, it remains unclear when it will be available across Germany. Rüschen is sure that the classic checkout will remain in place in the future, as not every customer wants to use their cell phone throughout the entire shopping process. The question remains: Will customers accept this digital advancement or will it remain a niche offering?