According to multiple reports, Asda is exploring the use of vending machines to reduce shoplifting. The machines would require customers to pay before receiving products, with a trial conducted at the company's store in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester. In the trial, customers select items via a screen, receive a ticket, pay at the till, and then use a second ticket to dispense the product. No decision has been made on which products would be included, and a full rollout is not believed to be imminent. Asda operates more than 1,100 stores across the UK.
An Asda spokesperson said: "We continually explore new ideas which may help to improve our customers’ and colleagues’ experiences whilst in our stores. However, there are no immediate plans to install new vending machines for any products in our stores whilst a trial in our Ashton store is ongoing."
We continually explore new ideas which may help to improve our customers’ and colleagues’ experiences whilst in our stores. However, there are no immediate plans to install new vending machines for any products in our stores whilst a trial in our Ashton store is ongoing.
The retail industry has been vocal about the impact of shoplifting. Lord Walker of Broxton, executive chairman of Iceland, said security guards should carry pepper spray and truncheons, adding: "Just one incident of violence against my staff is too many." Marks and Spencer’s retail director Thinus Keeve claimed that customer-facing staff face violence and abuse daily.
Police have also highlighted challenges in tackling the issue. According to Daily Express - UK News, Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met Police lead for tackling retail crime, described the problem as country-wide. He said retailers fail to provide adequate CCTV evidence in 80% of shoplifting cases reported in 2025. However, where clear CCTV images are obtained, police identify 80% of suspects using facial recognition and crime databases.
Just one incident of violence against my staff is too many.
It remains unclear which specific products would be included in the vending machines, when Asda will decide on a full rollout, and how many stores might be affected. The exact reduction in shoplifting from the trial has not been disclosed, and it is unknown whether other retailers will adopt similar solutions.
It’s not just the Met – the problem is country-wide.