MICHAELS shoppers are threatening to boycott the store after the popular arts and crafts chain made a major change to its checkout operations.
In recent months, customers have noticed that their local Michaels has increased the use of self-checkout machines in stores.
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Large retailers have frequently touted the benefits of using self-checkout operations, including speeding up the checkout process and allowing consumers to open more lanes while requiring fewer staff.
However, shoppers repeatedly criticize the machines, especially as retailers adjust self-checkout policies or technology.
Many have even claimed that self-checkout machines are enabling retail theft.
A recent survey conducted by LendingTree found that approximately 69% of shoppers said they believe self-service machines make theft easier.
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Another 15% admitted to stealing at least one item – 44% of them said they would do it again.
Now, Michaels customers are upset with the arts and crafts chain for installing more self-checkout machines in stores.
A buyer took it to Facebook to air your frustrations in a group that opposes self-examination.
“Michael Stores now has self-checkout,” the shopper began.
“The vast majority of their customers are over 50 and they are forcing these machines down our throats!”
The buyer alleged that an employee at a nearby Michaels store told him the chain did not have the “payroll” to hire additional staff.
“Really? How much money did they spend on these machines? How much money will they lose in revenue due to theft?” the buyer wrote.
“There’s the money they should be using for payroll!
“Until these machines are removed, I will not step foot in any of Michael’s stores!”
Michaels did not immediately respond to US Sun’s request for comment.
Several other Michaels shoppers echoed the customer’s sentiment, with one saying “good for you!”
“Amen, sister! I hate these things,” one wrote.
“Unless they start giving me a 50% discount every time I use it I won’t use it, that’s what they’re there for, they get paid,” said another.
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 they were offered more cashiers.
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.
Michaels isn’t the only major retailer to face shoppers’ wrath over self-checkout machines.
The US Sun previously reported that some Walmart shoppers have said they will leave the store if there are no cashiers staffed.
Kroger shoppers also recently lamented the supermarket’s changes to its self-checkout technology.
Meanwhile, other shoppers said self-service machines cause them more frustration than help.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
