Sainsbury’s launches UK’s first checkoutfree supermarket

UK supermarket giant Sainsbury’s has unveiled the UK’s first checkout-free store, allowing its customers to scan and pay for their shopping using a smartphone app.

The firm’s existing store in Holburn Circus, London was remodelled for the new technology, having had its checkout area and tills removed in preparation for the three-month pilot that is now underway.

“This is an experiment rather than a new format for us – it hasn’t been done in the UK before and we’re really excited to understand how our customers respond to the app experience,” said Clodagh Moriarty, Chief Digital Officer of Sainsbury’s.

The news comes after Sainsbury’s merger with Asda fell through, a deal that had been valued at £14 billion.