Lidl GB has launched a nationwide search to find a Scottish voice for new self-checkouts, set to land in all stores in Scotland by October 2025.

In a move sure to strike a chord with shoppers, the retailer is setting up a dedicated ‘Audition Line’, inviting Scots to submit recordings of themselves reciting familiar phrases from the bagging area. A panel of Lidl judges will review the entries, with the winning voice set to become the official sound of Lidl’s Scottish self-checkouts. 

The retailer is investing almost £3 million in installing self-checkouts in all Scottish stores by November 2025 and millions more in rolling them out across England and Wales by the end of 2026.

“We’re committed to continually enhancing the customer experience throughout our stores and are constantly looking for ways to make the shopping experience even better,” said Jassine Ouali, Chief Customer Officer, Lidl GB.

“With around two-thirds of our customers choosing self-checkouts where already available, this investment further reinforces the steps we’re taking to respond to demand from our customers. But this isn’t about replacing one experience with another – it’s about offering greater flexibility and choice. By expanding self-service alongside ongoing improvements to our staffed tills, we’re ensuring customers can shop in the way that suits them best.”

In a recent survey, 81% of Scots said they prefer a choice between staffed tills and self-checkouts, while 74% say they choose self-checkouts for speed and convenience.

Marco Ivone, Regional Director for Scotland at Lidl GB, said the search for ‘the voice of Lidl’s self-checkouts’ in Scotland is a fun way to celebrate the roll out.

“As the Regional Director for Scotland, I am proud that a member of our Lidl community in Scotland will become the voice of our check-outs and add a Scottish charm to our customers’ daily shops,” he said.

The winning voice will not only become the voice of Lidl’s Scottish self-checkouts but will also scoop £500 worth of Lidl vouchers. With self-checkouts already in use at several Scottish stores, more Lidl colleagues across the region are being trained up to support customers at these tills. Dedicated team members will be on hand to assist as needed, easily identifiable by their yellow gilets and positioned nearby to ensure a smooth checkout experience.