WALMART shoppers vowed to shop elsewhere after the retailer implemented a new self-checkout rule.
The store change left shoppers feeling forced to pay to use self-service kiosks.
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In February, Walmart shoppers began noticing that several self-checkout slots were reserved for certain customers.
They spotted signs designating the lanes only for Walmart+ shoppers and Spark delivery drivers.
Customers were quick to interpret the restricted ranges as an attempt by the retailer to gain more subscribers for its $98 annual subscription.
“So now Walmart wants to close self-checkout to try to get you to buy the subscription? Honestly. I’m tired of Walmart.
Walmart representatives clarified that the change was not intended to increase subscriptions, but rather a measure by store managers based on customer traffic.
Regardless of the retailer’s intentions, Walmart shoppers didn’t take kindly to the lane restrictions.
“It’s criminal… Not only are they making record profits while charging more and cutting jobs, *we* also have to subsidize their decision to not pay their employees minimum wage,” complained one Facebook user.
“Exactly… I’m almost done with Walmart for good,” agreed a second.
“It’s stupid. I’m going to go to the cashier before paying”, criticized another customer.
DEFINING DIRECT REGISTRATION
Walmart representatives have been adamant that the self-checkout change was not implemented to force shoppers to pay for Walmart+ or increase subscriber numbers.
“It is not intended to increase Walmart+ membership,” Walmart spokesman Joe Pennington previously told The US Sun.
Another Walmart representative shared that while kiosks may sometimes be designated for shoppers associated with Walmart+, self-checkout lanes are not entirely reserved for these customers.
The choice to limit self-checkout is a “localized decision” made by store managers based on shopper counts at the location.
On Walmart’s website, the retailer does not mention that the kiosks are intended exclusively for paying members.
It states, however, that subscribers have access to the mobile scan & go feature, which allows members to scan their purchases in the Walmart app and pay at self-checkout.
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The simplest way to avoid Walmart self-checkout fees is to shop online, or alternatively, sign up for Walmart’s membership program for more benefits like free delivery, free Paramount+, and access to exclusive deals for members at shopping events like Walmart+ Week and Black Friday.
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Walmart+ Week will take place between June 17th and 23rd this year, but to access some of the offers you need to be a Walmart+ Member.
Sign up for 30 days free trial here.
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We’ve gathered more information here:
Walmart Director of Corporate Communications Kelsey Bohl clarified that self-checkout is not reserved for paying subscribers, but stores can adjust their use of regular and self-checkout based on staff availability and customer traffic.
“During these times of limited access, some stores are designating select self-checkout stations for Walmart+ customers who use our Scan and Go service,” Bohl said.
She noted that store managers can do this to increase checkout options for customers.
In related news, Walmart’s five new store changes face backlash.
Plus, Walmart shoppers rush to snap up a $399 backyard essential on sale for $86.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
