Tesco GetGo, where customers can shop without using a checkout, has opened its first store. People can head to the Tesco Express store at Aston University using 'friction-less technology' for a speedier shopping experience.
Waiting in line to pay for your purchase can be a time consuming part of any shopping trip. Tesco GetGo eliminates tedious queuing from the shopping equation, streamlining the process and therefore cutting down on your time spent in the store.
Instead, you have the option to self-checkout or be served by an employee. The simple process means you can download the Tesco Clubcard app, use a barcode generated, choose your shopping and scan the barcode when you leave, reports Birmingham Live.
Having a Clubcard is not necessary. You just need to set up a free account and add details of payment. If you prefer paying by a traditional method, there is no need to worry, as employee assistance or self-checkout will still be available in the hybrid store.
Weight sensors, cameras and 'friction-less' technology determine customer recognition without tracking faces, leaving people anonymous on the system.
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Writer Robson McCallister tried out the Tesco GetGo store, to experience first-hand the potential ease of this new form of shopping. He downloaded the app and created an account with 'minimal ease'.
After verifying payment details and authorising this with his bank using the app, he navigated to his profile in the top right corner and clicked GetGo. Robson acknowledged the 'daunting' nature of setting up payment details for someone who has never done it before, so it may be worth getting help from a family member if you are not confident during this step.
Once confirmed on GetGo, a unique barcode was sent to him and he was then ready to shop. You do need to be aware of some restrictions in place such as when purchasing items including tobacco, alcohol and energy drinks.
Robson tried buying a Cadbury's chocolate bar for his first trip, saying that 'if something simple didn’t work then this would be alarming'. He picked up a chocolate bar, made his way to the checkout area, noticed a queue had formed of people using the self-checkout service and skipped that line.
He used the app and scanned his unique barcode, which when it worked, 'felt like magic'. Despite the smooth shopping experience that had 'no issues. drama or problems', he did feel as if he was 'stealing' and half-expected a security guard to give chase.
There was a slight delay with the receipt being delivered to his phone, which initially caused Robson to feel a little panic and have 'alarms going off in his head', but he quickly conceded everything 'was fine and a much easier and simpler way to shop'.
Wheelchair users or those with disabilities are able to seek assistance from Tesco employees, who should be happy to help. Navigation around the app is 'fairly straightforward' once your account is created and provided an overall 'smooth experience'.
Comparing the Tesco GetGo experience to his usual shopping trip, Robson said: "It worked more efficiently than self-checkout. I understand people’s apprehensions about this new form of technology.
"It might seem easier to stick to the traditional way to shop. But I’d recommend visiting the Tesco store at Aston University soon to give it a try - it might just be your new favourite way to shop."
What Tesco has said
The Aston University Express store is the first GetGo outside of the country’s capital. It joins the High Holborn Express, Chiswell Street Express and the Fulham Reach Express as Tesco’s fourth public GetGo store.
Henna Husain, store manager at the new store said: "Tesco is leading the way in innovative technology to ensure convenience for our customers and improve customer experience. I am very excited and proud to be leading the first Tesco GetGo store outside of London with my team."
Since Tesco launched its first GetGo store in central London in October 2021, the average shopper takes three minutes to complete their shop using the app.
