A SHOPPER has demanded a change to self-checkout at Kroger as others say they no longer want to shop there.
The customer took to X, formerly Twitter, to criticize Kroger and other retailers, including Pick N Save, for not offering a new self-checkout option.
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“Ok @Kroger, @PicknSaveStores, @MyKingSoopers, @mymetromarket, bring back the ability to mute self checkout!” the buyer he wrote.
“Even @KwikTrip lets you do this.”
The buyer added that the mute option had been available “for years” and then was suddenly removed.
Kroger responded by saying the feedback would be passed along to its leadership teams, and the buyer noted that the change “shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Like-minded shoppers complained about the change in the Reddit thread r/Kroger.
One customer explained that they used to be given the option of having their voice loud, quiet or muted before only being given the previous two options.
“I’m curious what purpose this might serve,” they said, adding that “it’s just a cacophonous mix of half a dozen recordings of the same disembodied woman’s voices…until everyone tunes out.”
“I also realized this recently. Makes me never want to shop there again,” added another.
The only explanation offered in the thread for removing the mute option was that it alerts employees to potential shoplifting.
However, dissatisfied buyers have noticed that with the number of times the voice speaks, it no longer attracts attention.
“This makes sense, of course, although I wonder if it makes any practical difference. I think cashiers would get ‘alarm fatigue’ very quickly,” one said.
Another noted that customers will also become disinterested and fatigued by the continuous and sometimes incorrect requests made by self-checkout, which can lead them to ignore legitimate issues.
“You already have cameras and the detailed list I recorded. What else do you need to prevent theft?” added the shopper who threatened to boycott the retailer.
“Just treating customers like they’re stupid and thieves at the same time.”
This latest complaint has been made by numerous customers to several large retailers in response to their anti-theft measures.
This includes receipt checks, products under lock and key, and item limits.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at several locations were made available only to Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed at specific times and more cashiers were offered in its place.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting would fuel 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 thwart fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, this test has been discontinued.
At Target, items are being limited in auto-checkout.
Last fall, the brand researched new express self-checkout lanes in 200 stores with 10 items or less for added convenience.
In March 2024, this policy was expanded to 2,000 stores in the US.
Target shoppers have complained about long queues at ATMs after the retailer introduced kiosk opening hours and an item limit.
Walmart was told to “stop gambling” with its receipt checks.
Both retailers, along with rivals CVS, Walgreens and Dollar Tree, have been criticized for locking items on shelves, which should bring benefits to Amazon.
Meanwhile, another Kroger customer asked the retailer to make another change to self-checkouts regarding payment methods.
In response, the retailer admitted that its current system “could be easy to ignore”.
The US Sun reached out to Kroger for comment on the silent option at self-checkouts.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
