Walmart Decides to Remove Self-Checkouts at Some Stores, Here’s Why
* Walmart Decides to Remove Self-Checkouts at Some Stores, Here’s Why.
Just trying to keep you guys in the loop…
From placebreak:
Posted by Slim Cohen
April 26, 2024
Updated April 29, 2024
Walmart Decides to Remove Self-Checkouts at Some Stores, Here’s Why
In a bid to combat rising crime rates and provide better customer service, retail giant Walmart has made the decision to eliminate self-checkout machines at two of its locations. The move comes as a response to concerns over theft and customer dissatisfaction with the self-checkout experience. By replacing these unmanned kiosks with staffed lanes, Walmart aims to enhance personalized and efficient service for its customers.
Walmart’s choice to remove self-checkouts is primarily driven by the high rates of theft associated with these machines. Neil Saunders, the managing director of GlobalData, states that theft rates at self-checkouts are reasonably high due to deliberate actions and accidental mistakes. By transitioning to manned checkouts, Walmart hopes to mitigate these issues and save costs in the long run.
Additionally, a recent study conducted by Drexel University in Pennsylvania reveals that self-checkout machines often leave shoppers irritated. Customers express frustration at having to handle the entire checkout process themselves, leading to a less satisfactory shopping experience. Walmart acknowledges this dissatisfaction and aims to improve customer convenience and satisfaction by providing staffed lanes.
The two Walmart stores where self-checkouts will be removed are located in Cleveland, Ohio, and Shrewsbury, Missouri. The decision to target these specific locations is based on feedback from associates and customers, shopping patterns, and business needs in the respective areas. However, Walmart has not disclosed whether these two stores are the only ones affected or if further announcements will be made regarding the removal of self-checkouts in other locations.
Walmart is not the only retailer taking action against self-checkouts. Dollar General, recognizing the high levels of shoplifting and mis-scanned items, has decided to remove self-checkout lanes completely from 300 of its stores. This move is expected to have a positive impact on shrink, according to Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos.
Similarly, Target has implemented limitations on self-checkout kiosks, allowing customers to use them only for purchases of up to 10 items. This restriction aims to enhance the overall shopping experience for customers.
Walmart’s decision to remove self-checkouts coincides with its recent store closures in Chicago, Illinois, due to poor performance and worsening crime rates in the area. This move highlights the impact of rising crime rates on retailers’ operations and the need for resolution from city officials. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has warned that if the issue of shoplifting is not adequately addressed, more store closures may follow.
The closure of the four Chicago locations comes after Walmart shut down its remaining two stores in Portland, Oregon, last year. The company’s decision to close stores is a direct response to the increase in shoplifting incidents.
God only knows how much stuff is stolen by people using self checkout.
The most ridiculous system ever invented.
Self checkouts are a license to steal. I shop in Walmart quite a bit and what the store has done, was to cut back on manned checkout lanes in favor of the self checkout ones. You would have to be a freaking moron not to think that customers aren’t stealing like crazy when checking out. THEN, after people checkout, they have a lame man or woman “checking” your shopping list when you leave the store. I seriously doubt that most of this checkers even know how to read. The total Walmart checkout setup is the joke of all time, unless you are a THIEF!
Walmart will eventually get rid of self checkout. The loses have to be GIGANTIC.
Walmart has really good prices.
Walmart has the dumbest help working in its stores.
Self service checkout is a dumb idea.
Retailers use it so they don’t have to spend money on human employees.
Guaranteed, the retailer loses more from theft than it would have cost it for a human to run a register.
Cantor,
Have to agree with you, good prices, dumbest help.
On the self checkout, especially at Walmart, the amount stolen must be enormous. Its door checker idea is a total joke.