Users of Uber will know the dread of seeing a 'surge' on the platform – when high demand makes it more expensive to grab a ride. Now, three of the UK’s biggest supermarkets are trialling surge pricing in stores, which would allow them to change prices and offers in just 20 seconds.

Many of the grocery shopping apps released in recent years cater to more affluent consumers who’ll spend a bit extra to get their order ASAP. Basket instead serves shoppers looking to make small savings, letting them compare prices at over 165,000 stores to ensure they get the best deal.

Dinner is in an hour and a key ingredient is missing, so you pop to the closest shop only to find that it doesn’t have your usual brand. When shoppers need something instantly and their first choice isn’t available, what informs their selection? How do companies compete to be the second best choice?

Self-service checkouts, with their ‘shouty’ voices and technical hiccups, have a bad reputation among Britons. So, how would they feel about an entirely automated retail experience? Canvas8 spoke with 20 people from across the UK to find out whether they would shop at a staffless grocery store.