We didn’t think the day would ever come. Running the gauntlet of the lightning-quick Aldi cashiers is all part of the Aldi shopping experience. But that is all changing with the introduction of self-service checkouts in Aldi stores.

The very first store to receive the new self-service checkouts is Aldi Darlinghurst in Sydney. Nine other NSW stores are expected to receive DIY machines, with each store expecting between 6 and 8 checkouts.

The Aldi Self-serve checkouts are card only, with no option to pay via cash. But besides that, the machines are pretty similar to the ones existing in Coles and Woolworths, with a scale to weigh fresh produce and an area to pack bags.

Convenience For Customers

“We make business decisions in line with our low-cost model so we can consistently provide high quality groceries at the lowest prices,” an Aldi Australia spokesperson said.

“Since self-serve checkouts entered the Australian grocery sector we’ve been watching with keen interest the value and efficiencies they drive for business as well as the convenience they provide customers.”

Waste Of Time: Major Backflip

This roll-out is a bit of surprise given that Aldi has previously indicated in a report published by the Sydney Morning Herald in 2016, that self-service checkouts are a waste of time.

Despite increasing demand from customers calling for self-service checkouts, Aldi continued to dig their heels in.

“We currently have no plans to trial stores with self-service checkouts,” an Aldi spokesperson told Yahoo! Finance to 2019.

“Feedback has told us that our shoppers prefer face-to-face interactions at registers, and that they are an important part of their in-store experience.

“Our current store format enables us to focus on creating the best possible in-store experience, while continuing to deliver high-quality products at permanently low prices.”

Self-serve checkouts were introduced in the UK stores last year to help speed up the purchase process during Covid-19 pressures.

Baskets Too – Woo HOO!

ALDI Australia store operations director Robert Eichfeld spoke to 7News saying that baskets will also now be available in the ALDI stores with the new checkouts to help assist customers.

“We anticipate the trial will appeal to our regulars as well as attract new customers, who are purchasing only a few items at a time – and we’ll also be introducing ALDI baskets in all trial stores to aid these small and quick shops,” he said.

“After carefully assessing and considering the trial results, there is potential that Self-Checkouts will be rolled out to more ALDI stores nationally,” Mr Eichfeld added.

Mixed Feelings

Initial shopper reactions to the introduction of the Aldi self-service checkouts have been mixed. Some shoppers posting on the Aldi Fans Australia Facebook group have been excited about the new machines.

Big Love

“Love it!” said one.

“Good for people that only want a few things I hate waiting behind trolley loads,” said another.

“About time, having to wait in the huge lines when you only have 1 or 2 things is annoying when only 1 register is open!”

“Omg so happy I sometimes just say screw it and pay more at coles cause the check out is so slow at aldi and I sooooo prefer automated”

Not Happy!

While many others were absolutely unimpressed by the new move.

“They try and introduce these where I live and they will lose my business! They should be employing people not automating checkouts. Too many jobs lost to these already,” said one.

“I refuse to use them.”

“I refuse to use the self serve checkouts. It’s someone’s job taken away.”

“Not keen on this. I like having the friendly Aldi checkout operators there. Also I doubt any customers could scan items as fast as the staff do, so this will slow things down, not speed things up.”

“They’ll need a staff member standing there just to reset the dumb things with the constant errors.”

How Fast Can You Go?

Some found the lighter side of the new independent checkouts.

“I can throw my own groceries at myself”

“Does that mean I have to throw my own groceries at lightning speed?”

“I mean they already throw our stuff at us at least now we can do it ourselves.”

What do you think about Aldi introducing self-service checkouts? Good or Bad? Tell us in the comments below.