Business

Tesco are introducing ‘VAR-style’ self-checkouts in the UK

'Game's gone...'

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 29th May 2025

If you think VAR might have gone too far, you're absolutely right, and we're afraid to inform you that the technology is only becoming more and more common as time goes on. Sorry.

So much so, in fact, that Tesco look are bringing in their own virtual referee into self-checkout systems in shops. 'Game's gone', as they say...

Of course, we're being a bit flippant here, but if you have seen 'VAR' and 'Tesco', you're not seeing things: this is genuinely a thing that is being rolled out here in the UK, with video footage of the supermarket chain's next self-checkout technology going viral online.

Thought you'd got away with sneaking an extra little something in the bag without paying? Think again.

We'll admit, this was the first time we'd come across the technology, but as it turns out, the updated self-checkout service has been in place for a while.

Similar VAR checkouts have already been installed at other retailers, Sainsbury's and ASDA, although some reports claim that while stores capture footage of shoppers to check if they've scanned all of their items, it is thought that not all of these self-service tills show a playback when an error is detected.

Although this particular speculation has sparked some uproar and debate online, many have quite rightly pointed out that CCTV records your movement in any given shop.

Regardless, it's fair to say that aside from the obvious memes and people poking fun at the new system, many on social media have shared some pretty strong opinions on the matter.

Not that it matters much - it's likely this will soon become increasingly the norm, with the likes of Sainsbury's having already introduced barriers which require customers to scan their receipt in order to leave certain branches in Britain.

As yet, it's unclear how many of these new self-service tills are in operation and whether they are limited to larger supermarket locations of their Express stores, but don't be surprised if you come across one.

Put simply, if a barcode isn't registered before being put on the scale and/or set aside to be packed away, the Tesco till will read: "The last item wasn't scanned properly. Remove from bagging area and try again."

While it is obviously an effort to curb stealing, which remains one of the big drawbacks of self-service (shoplifting in England and Wales went up by 20% last year), Tesco has insisted that the goal is to improve convenience.

Addressing these new VAR-style checkouts in an official statement, a company spokesperson said: "We are always looking at technology to make life easier for our customers.

"We have recently installed a new system at some stores which helps customers using self-service checkouts identify if an item has not been scanned properly, making the checkout process quicker and easier."

What do you make of the new Tesco and their new VAR self-checkouts?

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Leeds City Council confirms plans to repair historic Lower Kirkgate with work set to begin this month

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Leeds City Council has confirmed that work to stabilise buildings on Lower Kirkgate is set to begin later this month, with repairs expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.

Back in 2024, Lower Kirkgate in Leeds city centre was closed following the partial collapse of a building, leaving one of the city's oldest streets inaccessible.

Since then, the street has remained closed while plans were developed to address the structural issues affecting the buildings.

Now, almost two years after the initial incident, the council has confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to carry out the work.

The buildings are privately owned, but Leeds City Council says it will step in to carry out the stabilisation work to prevent further deterioration and protect the historic properties.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: “We are pleased that, following months of careful planning and preparation, we are now in a position to begin stabilising these privately owned buildings.

“A contract has been awarded for the work, which is scheduled to get under way later this month and is expected to take around 20 weeks to complete.

“It should be stressed that the situation on Lower Kirkgate is not of the council's making, with the owners of the buildings allowing their condition to deteriorate over many years and then failing to take the necessary steps to address the resultant structural issues.

“By stepping in and carrying out this work itself, the council will be able to arrest the deterioration of important heritage assets on one of Leeds’s oldest streets. As always, we thank the local community for their continued patience and support.”

Further details about the work, including when the street may be able to reopen, have not yet been confirmed.

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Business

End of an era as Harvey Nichols is leaving Leeds after 30 years on Briggate

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

It's time to say goodbye to one of Leeds' most recognisable shops.

One of Leeds’ most iconic shops is set to undergo a major makeover - as Harvey Nichols is reportedly leaving Briggate after three decades.

The luxury department store has been a staple in the heart of Leeds since 1996, but its days under the famous Harvey Nichols name are coming to an end.

It has been reported that the store is set to become a Flannels, following the takeover of Harvey Nichols by Frasers Group earlier this year.

The brand was bought by Frasers Group after the luxury retailer entered administration in August.

At the time, Frasers said the business had faced “sustained trading and operational challenges” and that significant restructuring would be needed.

Now, Frasers boss Michael Murray has confirmed that Leeds and Bristol are the two stores set to lose the Harvey Nichols name and become Flannels.

Murray has said the group plans to invest in its Manchester store, while the future of the Knightsbridge flagship in London is also being considered.

Image: The Hoot Leeds

For Leeds, though, it means saying goodbye to a name that has been part of the city for almost 30 years.

And with another Flannels already sitting just a stone’s throw away, there are plenty of questions about what the change will mean for the city's already luxury-heavy retail offering.

Whether you've dined in the beautiful Fourth Floor Brasserie restaurant or enjoyed browsing the beauty hall over the years, we all have our own memories of Harvey Nichols and there's no doubt it will be missed.

For now, there’s no confirmed date for exactly when the Harvey Nichols name will leave Leeds but we will keep you updated.

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