SHOPPERS criticize retailers for long queues at checkouts and are looking for a possible solution.
One consumer suggested that people should leave their shopping carts at Walmart checkouts, forcing retailers to eliminate self-checkout lanes altogether.
“So all we have to do is collectively leave full shopping carts of groceries at the self-checkouts and they will throw them away,” they commented in a Facebook post.
Consumers have expressed their displeasure over new self-checkout policies introduced by major retailers following a rise in organized crime.
Walmart has followed Target’s example and limited the number of items customers can bring to self-checkout lanes.
Now, in some stores, customers can only use the self-checkout registers if they purchase 15 items or less.
Many consumers are finding it difficult to adapt to these new guidelines.
“I came to the conclusion that I didn’t necessarily need the ten items I had at home and that I could get them elsewhere,” commented one consumer.
“It was ridiculous, even the self-service checkouts were closed because there was no one there to watch them. Only a couple were open and two were actually manned and the lines were crazy so I just left the box and went home,” they added.
Other consumers disagree – one shopper said he still prefers self-service checkout to traditional checkout.
“I care a lot about how my items are handled and packaged,” they explained. “That’s why I find self-checkout perfectly suits my needs.”
Many consumers are no longer shopping in-store to avoid the hassle that comes with new self-checkout rules at major retail stores like Walmart.
The self-checkout option became popular during the pandemic when shoppers wanted a contactless method of payment.
However, the increasing number of self-checkout kiosks has led to an increase in organized crime.
Consumers did not pay – knowingly or not – for all of their items.
Since then, retailers have been trying to implement anti-theft measures while also considering reducing the number of self-checkout payments in general.
Changes to Walmart Self-Checkout
Walmart’s statement on self-checkout:
In recent years, the retailer has introduced new hosted checkouts in several stores. Employees working as customer service representatives can show customers the available checkouts, guide them through the checkout process, and answer any questions they may have. This new checkout process is designed to help customers complete their purchases even faster.
For customers who prefer to pay at checkout, Walmart will continue to offer that option. Additionally, Walmart+ members will have the option to use our mobile Scan & Go feature, which provides shoppers with a contactless payment experience where they can scan items with their phone as they shop.
“As customers’ shopping habits continue to change, we will continue to look for new ways to offer you choice while saving you time and money,” they wrote.
Source: Do I have to use self-checkout?
Consumers have asked retailers to reintroduce regular cash registers.
In recent years, Walmart has introduced “Hosted Checkouts” in several stores to show customers the available checkout lanes, guide them through the payment process, and answer any questions they may have.
The retailer says this new payment process is designed to help customers complete their purchases even faster.
“If you prefer to pay by cash, we will continue to keep this option available for customers who prefer this method,” a press release said.
“As customers’ shopping habits continue to change, we will continue to look for new ways to offer choice while saving you time and money,” they added.
There are now at least three new changes at Walmart that have caused excitement among some customers.
And Walmart has teamed up with a popular fast-food chain in an unexpected partnership to offer customers daily discounts on quick-serve meals.