Marks & Spencer will test a 'virtual sales assistant' at its MetroCentre store in Gateshead in the next two weeks
The fully animated, 3D avatar, known as Lisa, will encourage shoppers to use self-checkout tills.
Such tills are being introduced in eight more stores after being piloted in three.
Motion sensors will activate the assistant as shoppers pass the checkout.
According to Marks & Spencer, the kiosk-based avatar will even answer shoppers' questions through an interactive touchscreen.
The avatar was modelled on, and takes its name from, Lisa Brand, the shop's food manager.
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