The experiment will put SmartShop Scan, Pay & Go technology to the test in a bespoke food-to-go store, making grocery shopping quicker and more convenient.

Customer feedback from the experiment will help Sainsbury’s develop the SmartShop Scan, Pay & Go app further before being rolled out more widely.

All customers will scan and pay for their groceries using the SmartShop Scan, Pay & Go app which they download on their smartphone.

They scan their groceries as they go round the store, pay in the app and scan a QR code before leaving which reassures them that they have paid, with no need to queue or pay at a till.

Sainsbury’s group chief digital officer, Clodagh Moriarty, said: “We know our customers value their time and many want to shop as quickly as possible – technology is key to that.

“This is an experiment rather than a new format for us – it hasn’t been done in the UK before and we’re really excited to understand how our customers respond to the app experience. We’ll be with our customers and colleagues all the way over the coming months, iterating continuously based on their feedback before we decide if, how and where we make this experience more widely available.”

Will Broome, founder of tech app developer, Ubamarket: added: “It is encouraging to see big retailers such as Sainsbury’s trialling Scan, Pay & Go technology in stores. Such implementation poses many benefits for retailers and consumers alike. As shoppers, we value our time and technology is essential in speeding up the in-store shopping experience.

“As Ubamarket research has revealed, 53% of shoppers prioritise convenience as they shop in stores. Incorporating retail tech into a store’s offering not only secures their bricks and mortar presence but keeps convenience at the forefront for consumers.”