Trigo has partnered German discount supermarket giant Netto to implement a hybrid checkout-free grocery store in Munich. It will be the first hybrid checkout-free store in Netto’s chain of supermarkets.

Tel Aviv based Trigo combines AI tech with ceiling mounted cameras to transform existing supermarkets into fully autonomous or hybrid digital stores. Shoppers use an app to scan a QR code as they enter, and can then pick up items and leave without having to go to the till. The purchase amount is automatically deducted via the registered payment method stored in the app.

Owned by The EDEKA Group, one of the largest food chains in the world, Netto has over 4,000 stores across Germany, and offers one of the largest overall selection of groceries in the German discount market.

With over 3,500 stock keeping units (SKUs), the 250 sq metre hybrid Netto store will be located in Munich’s Schwabing West neighbourhood, near the University of Munich, a predominantly residential area where much of the student accommodation is situated.

The store will provide students and other shoppers with access to discount prices on everyday goods, including freshly baked goods, fruit, and vegetables. Age verification for alcohol and tobacco will be processed once through the app on customers’ first visit. To ensure that shoppers who prefer to use traditional checkout can still do so, Netto has opted for a hybrid concept where the checkout counter is still accessible.

Netto has tapped Trigo’s GDPR-compliant, privacy-by-design solution which anonymises a shopper’s in-store movement and product choice data, and does not use any biometric or facial recognition data. This is an important breakthrough as Germany has some of the toughest data protection and privacy regulations anywhere in the world.

Michael Gabay, Trigo’s co-founder and CEO, said: “Trigo works with some of the biggest names in the retail space, and we are particularly excited to be partnering with Netto to open the first hybrid-frictionless discount store in the world. The general public will be able to enjoy the competitive pricing of the discounter together with a great shopping experience.”

Christina Stylianou, Head of Corporate Communications at Netto Marken-Discount, said: “Using ‘Pick&Go’, we’re testing an innovative shopping service for customers. At the same time, this new offer enables us to respond to the current desire of many people for fewer contacts in everyday life.”

Trigo has recently partnered with retailers including Tesco, REWE and ALDI Nord.