Kmart responds to rumours of phasing out manned check-outs
- Replies 19
Back in late 2015, Kmart introduced self-service check-outs to provide customers with better efficiency and convenience during peak trading hours - and, let's face it, also probably to save money on labour costs. Here at the SDC, we have mixed feelings about self serve checkouts, but ultimately think they’re a net positive as long as there continues to be enough ‘human powered’ ones for those who prefer to shop that way.
But rumours have begun swirling that the retail giant is planning to completely remove manned check-outs after two Facebook users claimed they had been told that the chain store would only offer self-serve registers in the near future.
Image Credit: Shiavello
Many were taken aback by the rumour and expressed their disappointment with Kmart in the comments.
“Shame on Kmart for switching totally over to self-service only, which I found out today.” one shopper wrote.
“They will no longer serve you – it is self-service only now.”
“They are taking away jobs from people, young and old, who have already experienced hardship with the pandemic and the extraordinary weather event that caused devastation to both families and homes.”
Another customer backed up the claim saying: “Heard that Kmart is going self-service only at my local soon. Pretty disappointing, not everyone likes self-serve.”
In a Facebook post back in 2016 by Kmart Australia, the chain store first publicly introduced the machines, but they were met with a similar negative reaction.
“Hi Everyone, Self-serve checkouts in Kmart stores aim to provide customers with greater convenience and more efficient purchasing. We also offer manned registers to assist customers providing them with the choice.” the retail giant announced.
“We thank our customers for their support during this change within our store layouts as we strive to deliver the best possible shopping experience at everyday low prices.” they continued.
To which a customer replied: “These are the worst checkouts. I would love to refuse the use of them but last time I was there, nothing else was open. I suggest a boycott of Kmart. What about all the young people of future generations trying to get a basic 'checkout job' to learn the basics of the workforce. No chance going forward with these pointless self serve checkouts that probably cause more issues than they're worth! Bring back the traditional checkout aisles!”
A spokesperson for Kmart released a statement to debunk the recent claims that manned check-outs would be phased out from their stores. They stated that customers could still be served by the staff at registers and that they would always have team members around to assist shoppers.
“At Kmart, we strive to deliver an enjoyable and convenient shopping experience to all our customers whether they choose to shop with us in-store or online.” they said.
“We understand there are many different ways you can shop with us at Kmart and we assure all of our loyal customers that at every step, we will always have a Kmart team member available to support them.”
“Whether it be to greet them at the front entrance, help process transactions, find their favourite items in-store or pack an online order ready for collection or delivery. We look forward to servicing all our customers in the many different ways they like to shop.” the spokesperson clarified.
What’s your personal take on this story? Would you boycott a store that switched to self-checkout only? Share your view with us in the comments below.
Want to learn some alleged secrets that Kmart keeps from us? Watch the video below!
Video Credit: Rita Kaminski
But rumours have begun swirling that the retail giant is planning to completely remove manned check-outs after two Facebook users claimed they had been told that the chain store would only offer self-serve registers in the near future.
Image Credit: Shiavello
Many were taken aback by the rumour and expressed their disappointment with Kmart in the comments.
“Shame on Kmart for switching totally over to self-service only, which I found out today.” one shopper wrote.
“They will no longer serve you – it is self-service only now.”
“They are taking away jobs from people, young and old, who have already experienced hardship with the pandemic and the extraordinary weather event that caused devastation to both families and homes.”
Another customer backed up the claim saying: “Heard that Kmart is going self-service only at my local soon. Pretty disappointing, not everyone likes self-serve.”
In a Facebook post back in 2016 by Kmart Australia, the chain store first publicly introduced the machines, but they were met with a similar negative reaction.
“Hi Everyone, Self-serve checkouts in Kmart stores aim to provide customers with greater convenience and more efficient purchasing. We also offer manned registers to assist customers providing them with the choice.” the retail giant announced.
“We thank our customers for their support during this change within our store layouts as we strive to deliver the best possible shopping experience at everyday low prices.” they continued.
To which a customer replied: “These are the worst checkouts. I would love to refuse the use of them but last time I was there, nothing else was open. I suggest a boycott of Kmart. What about all the young people of future generations trying to get a basic 'checkout job' to learn the basics of the workforce. No chance going forward with these pointless self serve checkouts that probably cause more issues than they're worth! Bring back the traditional checkout aisles!”
A spokesperson for Kmart released a statement to debunk the recent claims that manned check-outs would be phased out from their stores. They stated that customers could still be served by the staff at registers and that they would always have team members around to assist shoppers.
“At Kmart, we strive to deliver an enjoyable and convenient shopping experience to all our customers whether they choose to shop with us in-store or online.” they said.
“We understand there are many different ways you can shop with us at Kmart and we assure all of our loyal customers that at every step, we will always have a Kmart team member available to support them.”
“Whether it be to greet them at the front entrance, help process transactions, find their favourite items in-store or pack an online order ready for collection or delivery. We look forward to servicing all our customers in the many different ways they like to shop.” the spokesperson clarified.
What’s your personal take on this story? Would you boycott a store that switched to self-checkout only? Share your view with us in the comments below.
Want to learn some alleged secrets that Kmart keeps from us? Watch the video below!
Video Credit: Rita Kaminski
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