A CUSTOMER has criticized Walmart over its new self-checkout policy.
They argued that the newly implemented rule caused more problems for buyers than it solved.
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The criticism comes after select Walmart stores began setting aside some of their self-checkout kiosks for Walmart+ and Spark Drivers subscribers earlier this year.
Many alleged that the retail giant was effectively charging customers the $98 annual Walmart+ fee to use self-checkout in the future.
Walmart vehemently denied this claim, noting that store managers across the country would determine how many kiosks would be reserved for Walmart+ and Spark Drivers for the sake of efficiency and a positive shopping experience.
“We continually look for ways to offer our customers the best shopping experience and that includes adjusting the checkout area in stores,” said spokesperson Josh Havens. Business Insider.
Some still claim that most of their self-checkout area is blocked and they are not satisfied, including one frustrated shopper who claimed that the political decision causes “annoyance” and “trauma”.
“Walmart, I have an important issue with you,” a customer named Colleen wrote in a Facebook post.
“You have removed the self checkout option unless you are a Walmart member.”
Colleen added that there were “rarely any open lanes” at her location.
“Do you expect people to pay a membership fee to do your work for you?” she asked.
“I’ve had enough!”
“Now I go there to buy minimal things because it’s a hassle every time I go to your store,” the customer continued.
“It’s almost impossible to get out of there without a lot of anxiety.”
Along with the negative review of the sectioned self-checkout policy, Colleen also stated that there were never enough cash registers to help customers.
She’s not the only one to make similar complaints in recent months.
CHAOS KIOSK
One person criticized the brand for the alleged long lines that the change in self-checkout policy caused.
Similar to Colleen, they called the experience a “hassle.”
“Checking out @Walmart is a hassle right now!” they exclaimed in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“There are no human cashiers and the self-checkout line is ALWAYS fucking long! Who thought THAT was a good idea?!”
Walmart responded and apologized to the customer in this case, seeking more information to avoid negative trips to the store.
Amid complaints of long lines and other issues with self-checkout, Walmart has decided to remove self-checkout entirely at some locations.
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.
In September of last year, Walmart removed kiosks at two locations in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
So far this year, locations in Cleveland, Ohio, and St. Louis, Missouri, have removed theirs.
Walmart said decisions are made on a store-by-store basis after considering “customer and associate feedback, purchasing patterns and business needs.”
For more related content, check out The US Sun’s coverage of the big sale at a Walmart store after the company confirmed it would close for good.
The US Sun also tells the story of Walmart’s new “bestgoods” brand that has some fans confused.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
