A FUMING customer criticized Walmart on social media for its excessively long wait times for self-checkout registrations.
User X (formerly Twitter) claimed that your local Walmart is understaffed, leaving few employees who can monitor self-checkout records.
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“My local Walmart has converted almost all of their checkout lines to self checkout, but they are keeping most of them closed because they won’t have enough staff to monitor them all,” the tweet read.
“So I’m still stuck in line, but I have to scan my own stuff.”
Big box stores like Walmart are cracking down on customers after a rise in organized theft.
Walmart recently implemented new anti-theft policies that have left customers frustrated.
Many stores have eliminated checkout registers, letting customers scan and bag their own items.
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.
With insufficient staff to monitor self-service kiosks, customers are left waiting in line for long periods of time.
Walmart shoppers complained that it ruined their shopping experience.
Some even threatened to take their businesses elsewhere.
“Target can have all my money,” said one former Walmart fan.
In addition to increased self-checkout kiosks, Walmart customers are subject to random pickup checks at the door.
The retailer has also been placing valuable items under lock and key – prompting complaints from shoppers who feel they are wasting time waiting for staff to retrieve items for them.
While customers understand that expensive products like TVs or electronics are often locked away, they are increasingly frustrated that retailers are hoarding everyday necessities.
Items like laundry detergent, baby formula and socks are now locked behind plexiglass.
WALMART WINS
To avoid wait times, select Walmart locations nationwide have launched a pay-in-advance system for self-checkout.
This initiative was introduced in March 2024.
Several shoppers noticed signs blocking select self-checkout kiosks in the store, specifically for Walmart+ and Spark Drivers subscribers.
Customers who opt for Walmart+ pay a $98 annual membership fee and have access to the Scan & Go feature for a more efficient checkout experience.
Subscription also allows shoppers to enjoy several benefits, including free shipping, grocery delivery, and gas discounts.
With lanes now reserved for subscribing customers at many Walmart stores, some claim the chain is effectively making them pay nearly $100 to use self-checkout kiosks.
As Walmart struggles to please customers, a customer knocks on the store for an extraordinary fee.
But Walmart isn’t the only retail store with new policies — shoppers are canceling their Costco memberships because of “insane” rules.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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