FROM high-tech security measures to new checkouts, shoppers can expect big changes in the supermarket by 2025.
Retailers are under pressure to run their businesses more efficiently and benefit from developments in the sector technology to do that.
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Shoppers will see some big changes in the aisles in 2025Credit: Alamy
The sharp increase in shoplifting has also placed an emphasis on increased security in recent years, and this appears to be continuing.
Here are some of the changes you can expect supermarket aisles in 2025.
Changes to yellow stickers and coupons
Yellow discount stickers are hunted down by large numbers of shoppers every day, but many are starting to see changes in the way they are used – and more could follow in 2025.
Sainsbury’s the shoppers were left frustrated at checkout in 2024, when the supermarket began requiring staff permission to pay for discounted items.
As a result, customers had to call employees to sign off on their reduced purchases while using the self-checkout.
Additional security measures have been deployed for this purpose reduced items as well as coupons, following reports from a increase in the number of counterfeit products in circulation.
Sainsbury’s apologized for the frustration but said it had to take action to prevent fraud.
Shoppers hope to see a less frustrating solution by 2025.
8 ways to save money at Sainsbury’s
Security at exits
Safety measures are causing many changes in supermarkets.
A small number of Lidl stores now need this customers can scan a barcode on their receipt at the self-checkout before they can leave the store.
Signs above the cash registers warn customers to keep their receipts in order to operate the exit gates.
Similar barriers have also been introduced in other major stores and supermarkets including Primark, Morrisons and Aldi and shoppers can expect more in 2025.
Electronic price labels
New technology – called electronic shelf labels – is being quietly followed by supermarkets and could bring about a major change in the way prices are displayed by 2025.
The technology allows prices to be displayed electronically and automatically updated throughout the day.
You may have already spotted the futuristic pricing system at German discounters such as Aldi And Lidl.
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New digital labels will appear in more stores, including AsdaCredit: ASDA
British grocers now also want to get in on the action.
Asda is the latest retailer to introduce the technology in a small number of stores, while Sainsbury’s and Iceland have carried out trials.
Large-scale self-checkouts
Several supermarkets want to introduce large-scale self-checkouts that will allow customers to pay at major stores without having to wait at a manned station.
Marks & Spencer has started rolling out its “band-assisted checkouts” and has plans to expand them technology to even more locations in the near future.
Other supermarkets including Sainsbury’s have also begun experimenting with similar innovations in self-checkout and shoppers can expect more in 2025.
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There are more and more large self-scan checkoutsCredit: Alamy
But retailers have stressed that while the new self-checkouts will be available, manned checkouts will still be an option for those who prefer to speak to a member of staff.
Cash-free supermarkets
Ino huge uproar for that shoppers Retailers such as Tesco and Asda have reduced cash payments at some of their outlets to reduce queues.
In August Tesco it turned out that it would work cashless in cafes at 40 UK locations.
Supermarket giant Asda also has 267 cashless gas stations, where customers must pay by card at the pump fill up.
So, whether you have the auto or order a sandwich for lunch, shoppers at the checkout may discover that they cannot pay with cash in 2025.
Retailers have said the measure will reduce the number of queues, but it has not been without controversy and many have said it will make life more difficult for some customers.
Measures against theft
Shoplifting rates are at a record high and many supermarkets have been trialling new anti-theft equipment.
Among the examples seen in 2024 were electronic cabinets, which appeared in limited numbers Tesco stores and asked shoppers to use a digital touchscreen and complete a “four-step process” to open them.
The cabinets were used to store premium liquor and can reportedly track when items have been removed to identify possible thefts.
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Expect to see more locked cabinetsCredit: @UB1UB2
Shoppers can also expect an increase in the number of cameras.
Lincolnshire Cooperative has trialled staff bodycams after a 245% increase in incidents of threats and abuse towards team members.
While Iceland’s executive chairman, Richard Walker, said in a LinkedIn post that he would “love” to try out facial recognition cameras to fight crime.
Vape and cigarette machines
Asda has tried it out vapor and cigarette vending machines and more could be seen in 2025.
It was hoped the machines, operated by team members, would reduce anti-social behaviour.
The technology was initially trialled in just one store, but shoppers may see the technology in more stores this year.
How to save money on your supermarket shopping
There are plenty of ways to save money at your grocery store.
You can look for yellow or red stickers on products, which indicate when they are discounted.
If the food is fresh, eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money because you’ll be less likely to make hasty purchases when you go to the grocery store.
Choosing your own brand can be an easy way to save hundreds of dollars a year on your food bill, too.
This means ditching the ‘best’ or ‘luxury’ products and instead opting for ‘own’ or value-for-money lines.
Many supermarkets have shaky fruit and vegetable programs where you can get cheap prices if they are misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering 5kg boxes of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you could potentially get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers, which you can also use at the supermarket.
In addition, many municipalities offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
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