A WALMART shopper was shocked to allegedly find all the ATMs closed, forcing her to wait 45 minutes in the checkout line.
The shopper apparently used self-checkout at her Walmart, only to discover that all self-checkout machines were reserved for Walmart+ members.
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The customer posted a one minute and 45 second TikTok chronicling her frustrating experience checking out at the retail chain.
The TikToker said she saw that all the self-checkouts were closed and approached an employee and asked about the changes.
“They are trying to do this to promote app download and membership,” he allegedly responded.
“If you have the app, you can complete the purchase there; you don’t need to wait in line.
The TikToker (@1breyonce) said she was shocked by the situation.
“Now this [Walmart isn’t] earning some money [self-checkout machines]they said fuck it, download this app and become a member for $5 a month,” she asked.
The video, which has more than 800,000 views and 85,000 likes, angered buyers in the comments.
“I do everything possible to avoid Walmart,” one woman wrote.
“I’m happy to pay more to buy things at the supermarket or on Amazon.”
“Ridiculous! They also started locking everything behind glass, like $10 necklaces or hair dye, but they can never find an employee who can open the glass cases so you can buy them,” wrote another angry shopper .
Even Walmarts that have self-checkouts available to all customers are experiencing difficulties with self-checkouts.
“No, because my Walmart just removed most of their cash registers and put in new self-checkouts,” commented another Walmart customer.
“They’re all closed… all the time.”
Several Walmarts across the country offer special privileges to those who are Walmart+ members.
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 upgrades, 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.
The membership service offers shoppers free in-store delivery with no minimum, special fuel prices at select stores and the use of mobile scan & go, which allows you to scan items while shopping in store, in accordance with the Wal-Mart website.
Buyers can choose between a $12.95 monthly plan or a $98 annual plan.
Despite the woman’s claims that the self-checkout machines are intended to promote Walmart membership among shoppers, spokespeople for the retail giant say the goal is to help customers and employees.
“From time to time, our stores adjust the use of staffed registers and self-checkouts,” a statement read.
“During these times of limited access, some stores are designating select self-checkout stations for Walmart+ customers using our Scan and Go service and Spark drivers for faster access and delivery services.”
“This decision aims to better manage checkout availability.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
