Tesco to launch three ‘hybrid’ stores - where you can walk out without paying

Tesco is opening new checkout-free stores - but these ones will also give shoppers the option to use the tills to pay.

The first of the new GetGo stores has opened in Chiswell Street in Islington, London.

The supermarket plans to open a further two on Parr’s Way in London, and Aston University, Birmingham in the coming months.

GetGo stores are "checkout-free" - which means customers can simply pick up any items they want to buy and walk out.

It works by monitoring shoppers’ movements and product picks through ceiling cameras and on-shelf weight sensors.

You can simply scan your Tesco app on entry, get shopping and let the app settle your payment and receipts.

But the new GetGo stores will also offer a hybrid format that lets customers pay at a self-service or attended checkout if they wish.

Customers can simply pick up any items they want to buy and walk out (@tesconews/Twitter)

The only difference is they will need to scan their receipt in order to exit the barriers. Shop floor workers will be on hand to help.

Kevin Tindall, managing director for Tesco Convenience, said: “We are excited to expand our trial of GetGo and to see what customers think about our new hybrid model, which offers them different options for seamless shopping.

“Whether customers choose the checkout-free option or prefer to use a checkout, we want to make the shopping trip as quick and convenient as possible.”

GetGo stores will have the same product range as any normal Express store (@tesconews/Twitter)

The stores will be open from 7am to 11pm and have the same product range as any normal Express store with the same value deals through Clubcard Prices.

There will be a section in all stores specifically for age-restricted products, with a separate exit where employees will manually conduct age verification.

Tesco says its new trial will offer customers the option of using more familiar payment methods alongside the checkout-free app.

The expansion will also allow the company to test the new format in a variety of locations.

The first Tesco GetGo store opened in High Holborn in October 2021. This will continue to offer a purely checkout-free model.

Tesco claims the average shopper takes three minutes to complete their shop using the app in its High Holborn store.