Change in purchasing: Known aids could be abolished

The next big innovation is waiting for supermarkets like Lidl and Kaufland. (icon picture)

© Olaf Kubasik/echo24.de

• OfChristina Rosenberger

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The supermarket and discounter giants Lidl and Kaufland are getting deeper and deeper into digitization. Now another drastic step might follow.

Purchasing should always be optimized – especially the sister companies Lidl* and Kaufland* therefore always show innovations to become more digital and sustainable. For example lead Lidl and Kaufland are gradually introducing new types of packaging* ones designed to replace plastic and be biodegradable. Meat also plays an important role. That’s how the two have each other Grocery retailers known regarding the 5xD rule*, how echo24.de* reported.

This rule ensures that meat and sausages are produced entirely in Germany, from rearing to slaughtering and processing. In this way, German farmers are to be strengthened – at the same time, the animals are to be spared long transport routes to the slaughterhouse. In addition, Kaufland in particular is currently showing that digitization is becoming increasingly important – also in the supermarket.

Kaufland/Lidl: Digitization is progressing – is the next change coming?

Among other things, the Neckarsulm supermarket giant Kaufland recently recognized for its online marketplace* and the new Kaufland app was able to achieve top positions in the app stores right from the start*. The food retailer is also currently testing the so-called “Scan&Go” principle in eight branches*, which allows customers to pay completely contactless. So is the next step to finally get rid of cash completely?

That might be the case, because even if you can pay by card in the shop, there is still a certain situation that requires small change or a corresponding chip. We’re talking regarding the shopping cart. To unlock this, customers of Kaufland, Lidl and Co. need coins between 50 cents and 2 euros, depending on the provider, or a corresponding plastic chip. If you don’t have the right coin, you can’t borrow a car.

Shopping carts – but digital? That’s planned so far

This might now come to an end. Because how Chip 365 reported that the large shopping trolley manufacturer “Wanzl”, which works with Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Ikea and Walmart, among others, is already thinking of a digital solution to make shopping easier. The focus is on the trolley’s deposit lock, which is actually only there to protect the shopping aids once morest theft and should not prevent anyone from transporting their purchase.

“Wanzl” is currently working on a so-called “Smart Trolley”, i.e. the digital shopping cart. Customers might unlock this new model via smartphone or smartwatch – very simply via the supermarket’s app. The devices might then unlock the deposit lock via NFC or Bluetooth. A good solution for younger people, but what regarding people without a smartphone?

Kaufland/Lidl: shopping carts soon no longer usable with coins?

First of all, no one has to be afraid of not being able to use the shopping trolley any longer. Opposite to Chip 365 explained a “Wanzl” employee: “We want to gain initial market experience with test phases and see how it is received overall”, because the aim is to make shopping easier.

In addition, it will probably be a few more years before the digital shopping cart can really be found nationwide in Germany. It is not yet known when Kaufland and Lidl will enter the concept. *echo24.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA.