WALMART shoppers are angry about new policies that make self-checkout less accessible.
While some called for the change, others shared outrage on social media.
A change limited some self-checkout areas to those with 15 items or fewer.
However, Walmart has come to rely on self-checkout over the years, and with a labor shortage that has been going on for years and has yet to be resolved, some customers are reporting what they see as understaffing.
This is the case of user X Jace.
THE CASE OF JACE
Jace wrote a tweet highlighting Walmart’s new policy.
He said when Walmart limited self-checkouts, it didn’t put enough workers on staff.
“So #Walmart did self checkouts for 15 items or less with just ONE register open with one person and 20+ self checkouts?”
Many have complained about long lines at the store, which can be made worse for some by having too many items.
Especially if regular checkout lines are understaffed.
“I think we’ll all get fucked if we’re actually trying to spend money,” Jace said.
He said he would not return for his shopping.
“I’m going to shop elsewhere now,” he said.
Walmart did not respond to the tweet, although the company was not tagged.
It’s unclear how many locations have limited self-checkout to those with fewer items.
BUYER CRY
Buyers have been complaining about the launch for weeks.
But it’s not the only change occurring in the checkout line.
Some Walmart stores have limited certain self-checkout machines to those paying for a Walmart+ subscription.
This means it can cost $98 per year to use self-checkout.
Walmart’s item limit followed a similar policy at Target.
Many criticized the choice.
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.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
