Lidl has launched a WhatsApp chatbot to help find the quietest time to shop.

Customers in Ireland can now send a message to Lidl through the messaging app informing the chatbot of the day and time they intend to visit. It will then message back letting them know if that is generally a quiet, average or busy time to visit.

A statement explained: “We’ve analysed our shopper behaviour over the past couple of weeks to find the quietest time to head into store – of course some stores will vary slightly but use the info below to help plan your shop.

“This innovative approach uses real time data and customer transaction numbers to determine which hours of the day are quietest to visit and which are busiest, allowing for customers to plan their shopping trips accordingly."

The statement added: "They will then receive a code via email which they can share with family members, friends or a volunteer who can utilise this code to purchase their shopping at Lidl."

The supermarket said that this functionality is the first of its kind in any Lidl store in the world, using customised software created in-house.

This is not Lidl’s first chatbot though, as it launched a virtual sommelier through Facebook messenger in 2018.

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