Lidl Hungary has begun testing a new digital payment and shopping solution that could significantly reduce the time customers spend in stores. The retailer launched its Scan & Go service on 4 June in three locations across the country, allowing shoppers to scan products with their smartphones as they move through the store and complete payment at self-checkout terminals.
The pilot programme is currently available in Lidl stores located on Huszti Road in Budapest’s 3rd district, on Károly Király Road in Budaörs, and on Gém Street in Monor.
The service is integrated directly into the Lidl Plus mobile application, meaning customers do not need to download a separate app.
Using the feature, shoppers can scan product barcodes with their phone cameras while placing items into a virtual basket displayed within the application. Products can then be packed directly into personal shopping bags during the shopping process, eliminating the need to unload them again at the checkout.
At the end of the visit, customers proceed to a self-service checkout terminal, where they scan a QR code generated by the application and complete payment. Afterward, the digital receipt can be scanned at the exit gate to leave the store.
Lidl says the new system offers several additional advantages beyond faster checkout. The application continuously displays the total value of the shopping basket and provides real-time information about product prices, promotional offers, and discounts available through Lidl Plus coupons. It can also alert customers when purchasing additional items would unlock more favourable promotional deals.
The company emphasized that the introduction of Scan & Go does not mean traditional checkout lanes will disappear. Conventional cash registers will remain available, allowing shoppers to choose between the standard checkout process and the new digital alternative.
During the testing phase, Lidl employees will be present in the self-checkout areas of participating stores to assist customers with using the technology. The retailer also noted that the system may conduct random verification checks to ensure purchases are scanned correctly. Products subject to age restrictions, such as alcoholic beverages, will continue to require staff verification before purchase can be completed.
The trial reflects a broader trend toward automation and digital retail solutions in Hungary. Similar concepts have already appeared elsewhere in the market. In 2025, Auchan opened its compact, largely automated Auchan GO store near Bikás Park in Budapest, where customers can shop independently using digital payment systems with minimal staff involvement.
Lidl will evaluate the results of the pilot programme before deciding whether to expand the Scan & Go service to additional stores across Hungary. If the trial proves successful, the technology could eventually become available nationwide, offering shoppers a faster and more convenient retail experience.
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