Tesco goes 'cashless' to cut queueing times to just 45 seconds as it trials scheme in first store

The supermarket’s pilot scheme follows a similar one by Waitrose and a scan-and-go app trialled by Co-op

Ruki Sayid Consumer Editor
28 June, 2018
Mirror UK

Tesco has opened its first cashless store and cut queueing times to just 45 seconds.

And two more could follow, boss Dave Lewis has hinted.

The supermarket’s pilot scheme follows a similar one by Waitrose and a scan-and-go app trialled by Co-op.

But Labour MP Frank Field said banning cash transactions will hit the poorest and most vulnerable.

He said: “I hope Tesco will pause on this development and treat this store as a one-off.

“I am concerned on the effect long-term plans would have on the poor who don’t have credit cards and groups like pensioners who prefer to pay by cash.

“Tesco did not make its fortune from the cashless economy.”

The pilot Tesco Express opened six weeks ago at its head office “campus” in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire. 

Signs at the store state it accepts card or mobile phone payments only.

Britain is the world’s third-largest cashless society after Canada and Sweden.