Vending

British supermarket testing vending machines to thwart shoplifters

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April 16, 2026

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British supermarket chain Asda is exploring the use of vending machines to secure high-theft items, including products such as razor blades, as retailers face rising shoplifting incidents. The concept builds on an existing trial at its Ashton-under-Lyne store in Greater Manchester, according to a Fashion Network report. Similar machines are already used to sell controlled products like vapes and cigarettes.

Under the system, customers select an item on a screen and receive a ticket to take to a checkout for payment. After paying, they are issued a second ticket that activates the vending machine to dispense the product. While company officials have discussed expanding the approach to other high-risk goods, no final decisions have been made, and any broader rollout is not expected in the near term as the trial continues.

The move comes as retailers invest heavily in loss-prevention strategies. Data from the British Retail Consortium shows 5.5 million shoplifting incidents were recorded in the country last year, costing nearly $542 million, though the actual number is likely higher due to underreporting. Supermarkets have spent more than $6.77 billion over the past five years on security upgrades, including expanded CCTV coverage and additional in-store personnel.