Tesco testing cashierless stores

The supermarket giant has teamed up with Trigo Vision, which has developed a camera-and-software based system similar to Amazon's setup, for the testing phase.

Tesco recently said that checkout-free stores are “one thing we’re testing, but it’s not something we’re ready to roll out yet,”.

Steve Beckett, client services director at ecommerce agency PushON, said: “It will be extremely interesting to see how shoppers respond to this latest move from Tesco, as this could provide a telling indication of whether cashierless stores will become a high street fixture, or simply another expensive “gimmick” that adds little value for either consumers or the retailers that serve them.”

Manu Tyagi, associate partner for retail and consumer goods at Infosys Consulting, added: “Tesco’s move towards checkout-free stores has cemented the fact that the way we shop is being amplified by technology – all to adapt to changing consumer behaviour. Despite this, it’s important not to underestimate the power of human interaction. With the future of retail on our doorstep, the real question is how to ensure it remains appealing and convenient for future consumers.”