Sainsbury’s is currently trialling an app that allows customers to pay for their shopping through their smartphone, skipping checkouts entirely.

The retailer is currently testing the new solution at its London Euston Station store, where commuters are able to scan items from the £3 ‘On to Go’ meal deal range and pay through their mobile. As soon as the payment is confirmed, customers can leave the store without having to queue for the checkout.

Natalie Dunn, head of customer experience at Sainsbury’s, said: “We are always looking for new ways to help our customers live well – and saving customers time is one way we can do so.

“Experimenting with a checkout-free experience is a first for Sainsbury’s and many of our customers, so we are keen to understand how we can take the concept and develop an offering that is genuinely useful for those who shop with us. We are very excited to have taken this first step.”

Commenting on the news, Vanessa Walmsley, managing director at Qmatic UK, added: “We are seeing more and more retailers focus on improving the customer experience and integrating advanced technology into their store to offer a more seamless, omnichannel customer journey.

“Sainsbury’s extension of its trial, reportedly to an additional 50 stores later in the year, is just one example of a major retailer trying to reduce friction in their stores to increase customer loyalty.”

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