Aldi Clarifies Whether It Is Replacing Cashiers with AI Technology
An Aldi spokesperson confirms with PEOPLE that "shoppers still have the option to check out with a traditional cashier"
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Aldi has implemented its new AI shopping experience at only one location.
After it was announced on Friday, April 19 that a Chicago Aldi would be launching ALDIgo, the company clarified with PEOPLE they have no plans to expand the the new checkout-free shopping experience.
ALDIgo is a new technology innovation from the grocery store and the checkout-free technology company Grabango. The experience is currently in place at the Aldi outlet on 2275 West Galena Boulevard in Aurora, Ill. The location of the inaugural ALDIgo is approximately 10 miles from the company’s U.S. headquarters in Batavia, Ill.
ALDIgo allows customers to shop normally; however, there are no checkout lines, cashiers, or scanners. Rather, the ceilings are equipped with advanced computer vision cameras and ceiling-mounted scanners that will track the customers' items. Customers can use their credit card, debit card, or the Grabango app to pay.
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An ALDI spokesperson shared the following statement with PEOPLE: “ALDI has launched ALDIgo, a checkout-free shopping experience that utilizes Grabango technology, at one of its Chicago-area grocery stores. ALDI is continuously looking for new ways to be innovative and provide a best-in-class experience for its shoppers, and this is one example of that in action.”
The statement continued: “While we are excited to see our customers engage with the technology, we don't have any information to share regarding expansion at this time. At this location, shoppers still have the option to check out with a traditional cashier.”
The grocery store’s new concept is similar to Amazon’s Just Walk Out, which is at participating Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market locations.
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“The launch of ALDIgo is a pivotal moment for the grocery industry,” Will Glaser, Grabango founder and CEO, said in a statement, reports Food and Wine Magazine.
“Although more challenging, it was important to us to launch this technology in a typical store and not one purpose-built for us," Glaser added. "Aldi is one of the most innovative retailers in the world, and we are honored to partner with them to give their shoppers an exciting new way to shop the store.”
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