Is ALDI’s bold new move a deal-breaker for Aussie shoppers? The verdict is in

A new shopping concept from ALDI has left Aussie shoppers reeling, with some calling it a ‘stupid idea’.

What started as an innovative trial in the UK has now sparked heated debate across social media, with many questioning its practicality and fairness.

The reaction from locals has been anything but positive, with concerns ranging from hidden fees to the impact of new technology on everyday shopping.


Over the past few years, ALDI has won over Aussies with its budget-friendly deals and middle-aisle surprises, making it one of the country’s favourite supermarkets.

But a recent move by ALDI in the UK has sparked concerns, with some wondering if it could come to Australia.

An ALDI fan shared a link to the ALDI Fans Australia social media group, describing a new checkout-free store in London.


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ALDI’s new checkout-free store sparks an Aussie debate. Image source: Instagram/alexoliviajones/Aldi


According to the post, the store, called ALDI Shop&Go, requires customers to download an app to enter.

Once inside, shoppers pick up their items and leave without going through a checkout, with charges applied automatically via their selected payment method once they exit.

The store uses cameras to track purchases, but the most controversial part was the £10 fee to enter—roughly $20 AUD.

This entry fee was deducted from the final bill, but if shoppers didn’t spend the full amount or made no purchases at all, the money would be refunded, though not immediately.


Commenters on the ALDI Fans Australia social media group were quick to share their opinions, with many expressing frustration.

‘Stupid idea! People have enough going on in their lives and now have to make sure they have money in their pocket upon entry,’ one person said.

Another added: ‘Pay to buy your goods???? No thanks.’

One commenter worried about the potential for problems when browsing: ‘Imagine that we have that here, you see the catalogue and go in just to look at the Saturday special buys, not sure if you'd like them just off the catalogue pictures. You decide no, so leave $20 lighter, with it not coming back to you until Tuesday.’

‘I can see them going bust real quick if they keep that up! Things are expensive enough without being charged each time you pop in to buy something, geez,’ a third person noted.


Some people also expressed concern about the technology used in the store, fearing potential mistakes.

‘No freaking thank you! Hate all this tech,’ one person commented.

‘Imagine the mistakes and complaints. Imagine the fruit weighing!’ said another.

‘Yeah, Nah. I would walk right back out again. Simply not going to happen,’ a third agreed.

It’s safe to say that many Aussies weren’t impressed with the idea and hope it doesn’t make its way to Australia.


In a previous story, we took a look at how ALDI is delivering childhood memories at unbeatable prices.

To find out where you can spot these nostalgic treats, be sure to check it out!

Key Takeaways
  • ALDI's new checkout-free store in the UK has sparked a backlash in Australia, with some calling the concept a ‘stupid idea’.
  • The store charges a £10 (roughly $20 AUD) entry fee, refundable only if shoppers don't spend the full amount, leading to concerns about hidden fees.
  • Technology used in the store to track purchases has raised worries about mistakes, with some customers fearing errors in pricing and fruit weighing.
  • Many Aussies are voicing strong opposition to the idea, with hopes it doesn't make its way to Australian stores.

With so many Aussies outraged by this new ALDI concept, do you think it’s something that could work here? Will it be a complete flop?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!
 

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Statement from Aldi Australia's website:-

To meet our promise of high quality products at the most affordable prices, a 0.5% surcharge is included on all credit card and contactless card purchases at our stores. Customers who process payment by inserting their card and selecting savings will avoid this fee.
Source:- https://help.aldi.com.au/s/topic/0TO2y000000dIjrGAE/payment-enquiry
I wasn't aware of that nor was I ever told to do it in that way. So do we have to blame the staff for telling us when we put the card up for payment processing.?
Besides when I swape the rad through nothing comes up on the screen before that that I could see either. And yet, up to thjs stage I have never been charged for that fee at Coles.
 
Yes but it has originated in Europe and anything can happen. Now, if anyone has taken notice of it before, we are even charged a fee for the processing of our credit card when you pay for your groceries at Aldi. Never heard of that before but, when queried with my daughter, she said that it has been there ever since she could remember.
So Banks don't want to use cash, the Government does not want us to use cash but then we are charged a fee for using a credit card.
Another crooked scheme by the Banks to reap us all a bit more.?

Dear oh me. What's the matter with the Government.? Are they so blind OR ARE THEY INTENTIONALLY BLIND.?
Aldi have always charged a fee for credit card useage - since they first opened. Debit cards do not attract a fee.
 
I wasn't aware of that nor was I ever told to do it in that way. So do we have to blame the staff for telling us when we put the card up for payment processing.?
Besides when I swape the rad through nothing comes up on the screen before that that I could see either. And yet, up to thjs stage I have never been charged for that fee at Coles.
They do have a big sign over the top of the checkouts advising of this charge.
 
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They do have a big sign over the top of the checkouts advising of this charge.
Most of the time I use the self checkout and I will look if that sign is there when I will go in next. But as I said, I am only going there to get what I can't get anywhere else and I get other few things when there due to the disappointment I have experienced over the last couple of months. IMHO the meat quality (I am talking beef only here) has dropped so bad that I will buy it there anymore.
 
we wont get a choice ITwillHAPPEN...when were you consulted about auto self serve registers etc.....we have no say IT WILL HAPPEN
 
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It was a big surprise to me as well. Over the last couple of times I have been directed to go through the self serve myself. In my town they close 3 or 4 of the checkout and only left two of them going. The last one (Checkout) is always close.
 

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