Sainsbury’s debuts checkout-free store

Sainsbury’s has launched a new digital innovation with a contactless, checkout-free convenience store at Holborn Circus, powered by Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology.

It said it is the latest example of Sainsbury’s strategy to use innovative technology to make shopping “convenient for customers” and builds on recent digital initiatives which have seen sales increase 173% year-on-year.

To enter the store, the retailer said customers scan a QR code using their SmartShop app which is linked to a credit or debit card, with Just Walk Out technology automatically adding anything the customer takes off the shelf to their virtual cart whilst removing anything they put back on the shelf.

The Holborn store was selected for this new digital innovation as it is primarily focused on offering on-the-go food and drink to “busy” local workers.

Clo Moriarty, Sainsbury’s retail and digital director, said: “We are always looking at new ways to make shopping easy and convenient for our customers. We are excited about launching ‘SmartShop Pick and Go,’ which offers contactless, checkout-free shopping to our customers and are looking forward to hearing their feedback.”

Dilip Kumar, Amazon’s vice president of physical retail and technology, added: “We’re excited to bring Just Walk Out technology to our first customer internationally with Sainsbury’s. With no tills, no checkout lanes, and no self-service scanners, we can’t wait to hear how busy Londoners enjoy the experience.”