IGA rivals Aldi’s fast checkout scanning with major move

Getting in and out of the supermarket checkout as quickly as possible might be a priority for some customers – but not all.

In recent years, there’s been a clear shift towards fast-paced, self-serve supermarket checkout culture, spurred on dramatically by the implementation of self-serve checkouts at the major stores.

Then in places like Aldi, famous for its fast checkout lanes, shoppers often struggle to keep up as their groceries are scanned at lightning speed. 

But one Aussie supermarket chain has actively decided to buck this supermarket hustle trend, recognising that the checkout can be a place for connection – not just transactions.

That’s why an IGA store on Sydney’s northern beaches is now being used as a test case, implementing a checkout lane dedicated to encouraging shoppers to slow down and chat with staff.

The pilot program is launching at IGA Allambie Heights, where, as of Friday, they’ve introduced a Community Check-In.

This dedicated checkout lane encourages shoppers to slow down, take their time and chat with staff.

The change is not only a pushback against the increasingly rushed and chaotic pace of supermarket checkouts, but also a response to the growing loneliness epidemic among Aussies.

Recent studies from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have uncovered that up to two in five Australians experience loneliness at least some of the time.

Furthermore, research uncovered how small, everyday interactions can play an important role in counteracting these feelings.

For all these reasons, IGA has recognised there’s never been a better time to offer customers an opportunity to experience micro-connections that were once the norm but have fallen by the wayside in the digital age.

IGA Allambie Heights employee Layne Berry – who also holds the charming title of ‘Chief Chatty Officer (CCO)’ – confirmed that the initiative was created as a simple way to give back and support the community.

‘While so much of retail is moving towards speed and convenience, we noticed many of our local shoppers were actively choosing the staffed checkouts – not because they had to, but because they genuinely value those small, human interactions,’ Layne said.

‘We wanted to protect that and take it a step further.

‘The Community Check-In creates a space where no one feels rushed, and where conversation is a meaningful part of the experience – not something you have to squeeze in.’

As an independently owned supermarket chain, Layne explained that IGA has always had a local-first mindset, coupled with the ability to be adaptable in a way that the other bigger operators can’t.

Whether it’s at the checkout or in other in-store interactions, Layne says her store takes pride in creating ‘moments of connection that can genuinely make someone’s day’.

Local shopper Val Jefferson, who has been visiting IGA Allambie Heights for 30 years, was excited that the initiative had been formalised at her local store – adding that it reflects what has always made the store so important to the community.

‘For some in our community, particularly older locals, the supermarket isn’t just about groceries – it’s one of the only opportunities they have for a real conversation,’ Val said.

Val added that it’s especially important for those shoppers ‘to know there’s a place where you can stop, talk and not feel hurried’, explaining that it ‘makes a huge difference.’

The ‘Community Check-In’ lane at IGA Allambie Heights will be clearly marked andx staffed by a team member trained to prioritise conversation. The store is encouraging interested locals to take part in the trial.

The pilot program will run on weekdays from 10am to 2pm, from Friday April 17 to Friday May 15.

Following the pilot, it’s hoped this community-minded initiative could be expanded more broadly across the IGA network if successful.