WALMART has decided to ditch self-checkout machines in stores where theft has run rampant.
A store in Cleveland, Ohio, and another location in Shrewsbury, Missouri announced they would get rid of the technology to improve the in-store shopping experience.
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It comes as shoppers who frequented both locations say that the rise in crime has made them fearful.
However, others expressed disappointment in removing the lanes, saying traditional checkouts will cause longer lines.
“I am probably going to end up going to a different Walmart then because I don’t like to have to wait down here,” Lean Burchnell, a shopper, told ABC affiliate WEWS-TV.
“Especially with all the crime that’s been going down here. It’s very scary. It really is,” she added.
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Another shopper told the outlet that he didn’t think removing self-checkout lanes would be an improvement.
“Last week we were standing in the doorway as some guy was getting tased for stealing a jacket and had his pockets fully loaded with everything he could grab, I was like, ‘Whoa,'” said Cory Sheneman.
Walmart has made several changes regarding its use of self-checkout, including three locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico that had gotten rid of them altogether.
A spokesperson for the major retailer said the changes were made after receiving feedback from employees and customers and taking note of shopping patterns in the area.
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“As part of our announced plans for additional investments and improvements to facilities across the country, we’ve decided to remove self-checkout lanes and replace them with staffed lanes at select locations,” Brian K. Little told Supermarket News.
“We believe the changes will improve the in-store shopping experience and give our associates the chance to provide more personalized and efficient service.”
THE WORST
A Walmart in Cleveland, Ohio is often touted as one of the worst in the US.
The Steelyard Commons location was slammed by comedian Mike Polk Jr. on an episode of the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show.
“We’ve got to do something about the Steelyard Commons Walmart,” said Polk Jr.
“It is a disaster, everything is on the floor. It’s absolutely awful. It’s dangerous.”
To back up his claims, Polk Jr. read negative Yelp reviews of the store, which drew laughter from the hosts.
One review claimed the store had terrible customer service, which Polk Jr. read aloud.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
“I asked an employee where the laundry detergent was and he said ‘in the laundry detergent aisle’ and he walked away,” he read.
“I honestly don’t think he was trying to be rude, I think he legitimately thought he had answered my question and we were done with the exchange.”
Walmart has been slammed frequently by shoppers for several reasons such as long lines, locked items, and receipt checks.
One shopper remained defiant by refusing to have their receipt checked as they left the store.
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Others criticized the retailer for locking up small items such as pens and energy drinks behind anti-theft glass.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Walmart for comment.
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https://www.the-sun.com/news/11182881/worst-walmart-in-america-self-checkout/