FTOM Aldi to Next, some of the biggest names on the high street are shaking up their self-checkouts or introducing new charges or processes to cut costs or make the experience smoother.
However, now shoppers have been left totally baffled after spotting a new feature at Tesco.
The mega supermarket is currently trialling a brand new self-scan checkout system[/caption]
According to the mega supermarket – which axed a popular Clubcard feature today, March 7th, 2025 – they’re currently trialling new trolley and baskets scales to identify unscanned or overscanned items.
This, Tesco explained, will help alert customers to any products they may have missed or scanned incorrectly.
The feature, which is being tested with the Scan As You Shop checkouts in Gateshead Trinity Square Extra, near Newcastle upon Tyne, is also said to reduce the number of manual service checks done by the floor staff.
The supermarket believes that the addition could also slash the queuing times and streamline the checkout experience for those doing their shopping at Tesco.
The way the feature works is Scan As You Shop customers walk through airport-style gates that will weigh the shopping basket or trolley – before they proceed to pay.
However, some social media users have already pointed out to a potential flaw within the system – whether the scales would be sensitive to pick up lighter items, like greeting cards and plastic bags.
Furious parents have also noted that this may not work with children who are sitting in the trolley.
One Redditor complained: ”I have a little baby that sits in the baby seat, would we be expected to take them out which will wake them up so they’re gonna cry?
”Or you’ve been shopping elsewhere and you’ve got the items you bought elsewhere bagged up under all the Tesco shopping?
”Or been to the gym and got your gym bag in there. Or a handbag. Literally anything. This seems like a good idea until you think about it for more than 5 seconds,” the person went on in the Reddit thread.
The mega retailer has already faced backlash for the trialled feature online, with furious customers comparing the gates to ”border control”.
One dissatisfied shopper shared their fury, writing: ”Come for the shopping, stay for the full body scan!’ Wtf.”
Another criticised the supermarket, commenting: ”Am I at border control or f***ing Tesco?”
”Are those the gates for the new Heathrow runway?” someone else was totally baffled.
Insider tip from a Tesco employee
A Tesco employee has revealed a surprising secret about the self-scan trolleys.
According to the worker, random checks on customers using these trolleys are not entirely random.
The checks are actually triggered by a specific customer habit.
If you frequently pick up and put down items without scanning them, you’re more likely to be selected for a check.
This is due to the system detecting suspicious behaviour, which could indicate potential theft.
So, to avoid delays, it’s best to scan items immediately after placing them in your trolley.
”This is all going too far now. Can we not go back to mainly staffed tills and just have the odd couple self service for 10 items or less?” a fourth thought.
Although the gates are currently being tested at just one location, many thought it was highly unlikely the feature will become a norm for every Tesco.
The person, who claimed to be a resident of the area, said: ” I doubt these will properly take off.
”Apparently they’re quite successful in south Korea but this shop is the first one in the UK to get them. (I know cause this is my local).
”’Not unrelated but the shop is also going through 1.5 million pound refit so I don’t they’re cheap enough to just stick them in every shop. I figure this is mostly a trial run.
”And they’ve only just gone online this week so I’m assuming there’s going to be quite a few teething issues.”
