Sainsburys is about to begin trials on a shopping app that will help shoppers navigate their way through stores to find their favourite products, then pay via their phone with no need to queue.

The currently-unnamed app enables customers to build a virtual basket of their favourite products before they arrive in the shop. Once at a store, they will be guided to the correct aisles to find their predicted items faster, and can scan them with their smartphone and pay via the app, skipping checkout queues entirely.

The app is being trialled by Sainsburys teams in stores over the next few weeks, and will be made available to Nectar cardholders later next year. It is one of the developments being worked on by Sainsburys Digital Team, which is also aiming to improve the supermarkets home delivery service with more flexible delivery slots, and greener delivery options.

“We know that customers weekly shop doesnt start at our front door – they know what they like and they also like that search for a bargain,” said Jon Rudoe, digital and technology director at Sainsburys. “They still want to come into store – but with limited time, they want to be able to get their shop done quickly. Thats why were putting digital firmly at the forefront of our agenda, and putting technology in the hands of our customers.”