SHOP SMART
All the supermarket changes to affect shoppers this year including big self checkouts and more security measures
Retailers are trialling a range of new tech to make shopping easier
FROM high-tech security measures to new style tills, shoppers can expect to see big changes at the supermarket in 2025.
Retailers are under pressure to run their businesses more efficiently and are taking advantage of developments in technology to do that.
4
A stark rise in shoplifting has also seen a focus on increased security in recent years, and this looks set to continue.
Here are some of the changes you can expect to see in supermarket aisles in 2025.
Changes to yellow stickers and coupons
Yellow discount stickers are hunted out by hoards of of shoppers every day, but many have started to see changes in the way they're used - and more could be afoot in 2025.
Sainsbury's shoppers were left frustrated at the checkout in 2024 when the supermarket began requiring staff approval to pay for discounted items.
READ MORE IN MONEY
As a result shoppers had to call over employees to sign off on their reduced purchases while using the self checkout.
The additional security measures were used for reduced items as well as coupons, following reports of a surge in fakes being circulated.
Sainsbury's apologised for the frustration but said it needed to take measures to prevent fraud.
Shoppers will be hoping to see a less frustrating solution in 2025.
Most read in Money
8 ways to save money at Sainsbury's
Security at exits
Security measures are driving many changes in supermarkets.
A small number of Lidl stores now require customers to scan a barcode on their receipt at the self-checkout before they can leave the shop.
Signs above the checkouts warn customers to keep their receipts to operate the exit gates.
Similar barriers have also been introduced in other major shops and supermarkets including Primark, Morrisons and Aldi and shoppers can expect to see more in 2025.
Electronic pricing labels
New technology - called electronic shelf labels - has been quietly trailed by supermarkets and it could see a major change to the way prices are displayed in 2025.
The technology allows prices to be displayed electronically and automatically updated throughout the day.
You might have already spotted the futuristic pricing system at German discounters such as Aldi and Lidl.
4
British-owned grocers are now also looking to get a slice of the action.
Asda is the latest retailer to introduce the tech to a small number of stores, while Sainsbury's and Iceland are understood to have undertaken trials.
Large-scale self checkouts
Several supermarkets have been looking to introduce large-scale self checkouts that allow shoppers to pay for big shops without waiting for an manned station.
Marks & Spencer has begun rolling out the "assisted belted checkouts" and has plans to expand the technology to even more locations in the near future.
Other supermarkets including Sainsbury's have also started experimenting with similar self-checkout innovations and shoppers can expect to see more in 2025.
4
But retailers have emphasised that while the new self-checkouts will be available, staffed tills will still be an option for those who prefer to speak to a member of staff.
Cash-free supermarkets
In a huge shake up for shoppers retailers such as Tesco and Asda have cut cash payments in some of their outlets to cut queues.
In August Tesco revealed it would be going cashless at cafés in 40 UK sites.
Supermarket giant Asda also has 267 cashless petrol stations, where customers must pay at pump by card to fill up.
So, whether you're filling up the car or ordering a sandwich for lunch, shoppers may get to the checkout to discover they can't pay with cash in 2025.
Retailers have said the move will reduce queues, but its not been without controversy and many have said it will make life harder for some customers.
Anti-theft measures
Shoplifting rates are at a record high and many supermarkets have been trialling new anti-theft devices.
Among those seen in 2024 were electronic cabinets, which appeared in a limited number of Tesco stores and asked shoppers to use a digital touchscreen and complete a "four-step process" to open them.
The cabinets were used to hold premium booze and can reportedly track when items have been taken out to identify potential thefts.
4
Shoppers can also expect to see an increase in cameras.
Lincolnshire Co-op has trialled staff bodycams after recording a 245% increase in incidents of threats and abuse towards team members.
While Iceland's executive chairman Richard Walker said in a LinkedIn post he would "happily" trial facial recognition cameras to combat crime.
Vape and cigarette vending machines
Asda has trialled vape and cigarette vending machines and more could be seen in 2025.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
It was hoped that the machines, which are operated by team members, would reduce anti-social behaviour.
The technology was initially trialled in just one store but shoppers may see it in more this year.
How to save money on your supermarket shop
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
Plus, you can join our Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Topics