Lidl is set to invest nearly £3 million in installing self-service checkouts across every one of its Scottish stores, aiming to deliver an “enhanced customer experience” for shoppers.
As part of this major rollout, the supermarket giant has announced a nationwide search for a distinctive Scottish voice to feature on its new self-scanning tills, which are scheduled to be in place by autumn this year.
The initiative follows an industry survey revealing that 81% of Scots prefer having the option to choose between staffed tills and self-checkouts.
Lidl has pledged to maintain staffed checkouts alongside the new self-service machines, emphasising that the move is about offering greater flexibility and choice, not replacing human interaction altogether.
Jassine Ouali, Lidl GB’s chief customer officer, stated, “By expanding self-service alongside ongoing improvements to our staffed tills, we’re ensuring customers can shop in the way that suits them best”.
To find the perfect “unexpected Scots voice in the bagging area”, Lidl is taking an audition booth on tour to stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
Shoppers can step up to the mic in person or submit their entries via WhatsApp, with the winner earning £500 in Lidl shopping vouchers and the chance to become a familiar sound in stores across Scotland.
Marco Ivone, Lidl’s regional director for Scotland, described the search as “a fun way to celebrate the roll out,” adding that it will bring “Scottish charm” to customers’ daily shops.
While the rise of self-checkouts has sparked debate about the impact on staffing and the shopping experience, Lidl says it is training more staff to support customers at the new tills and remains committed to innovation and customer choice.
