As people around the world become busier, automated technologies let us do more in less time. One of these is the self-service checkouts which many supermarkets in Australia are offering in-store.

But while convenience has become a staple in modern life, many people still prefer human-centric experiences, which is why the recent move by British supermarket Booths has stirred international attention by rolling back self-serve checkouts.

But the important question here is: Should Aussie supermarkets do the same?

Booths supermarket announced last week that it will remove self-serve checkouts in most stores due to customer feedback citing self-checkouts were ‘unreliable’ and ‘impersonal’.

‘We believe colleagues serving customers deliver a better customer experience, and therefore, we have taken the decision to remove self-checkouts in the majority of our stores,’ explained the company.

Global supermarkets such as Booths, Walmart and Costco are retracting self-serve checkouts. Image source: Pixabay

Certainly, there’s something comforting about having a cashier who assists shoppers whenever they can’t find the barcode on a certain item or if the item rings up incorrectly.

The decision also garnered a lot of attention closer to home, with local shoppers pondering whether other supermarkets—such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI would go the same route.

However, these supermarket giants were unanimous in their responses, saying that the self-serve checkout options will likely stay in place, at least for the foreseeable future.

Coles revealed that two out of three shoppers preferred the automated checkouts for ‘convenience and efficiency’, highlighting that they ‘help customers check out more quickly and pack their bags the way they like’.

‘Over the past year, we have seen greater customer satisfaction and uptake in our self-service options,’ said Coles.

‘Of course, if customers prefer to be served by a team member, someone will always be available in the service area to serve them.’

Meanwhile, Woolworths confirmed self-service checkouts are permanent and are always available in stores.

‘We know there’s many different opinions on the use of this technology, and that’s why we have a range of ways for customers to complete their shop,’ a Woolies spokesperson said.

‘Our supermarkets employ more team members than ever before as we expand to cater to a range of different shopping needs. From rapid grocery delivery to the traditional in-store experience, as well as other convenient options like Direct to Boot.’

Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI will continue to use self-checkouts in stores. Image source: Unsplash

ALDI, which only started introducing the machines in 2021, also shared that the technology is a ‘win-win’ for everyone because it is ‘not only efficient for our customers but also supports our business operations’ by freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.

Apart from Booths in the UK, major US retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Wegmans, and others are also scaling back on technology.

Key Takeaways

• International supermarkets are rolling back self-serve checkouts due to their perceived unreliability and impersonal nature.
• Despite this trend, major Australian retailers ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths are retaining the technology, indicating they're the preferred option for the majority of their customers.
• Coles and Woolworths said they have both self-service and human-operated checkouts, giving their shoppers choices based on their preferences.
• ALDI, which only introduced self-checkouts in 2021, claimed the technology not only benefits their shoppers but also supports their business operations.

Members, what's your take on self-service checkouts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Catherines]

We don't use self service - prefer checkout chicks (hens or roosters do not matter!!) as someone still has a job. I would hazard a guess that those whom we think have lost their jobs, because of the closure of manned checkouts, are the ones that do the picking and packing of goods ordered by online shoppers. They may not be on the front checkouts but you see them all the time with a trolley of shelves loaded full of items for online shoppers.

 

[mylittletibbies]

We don't use self service - prefer checkout chicks (hens or roosters do not matter!!) as someone still has a job. I would hazard a guess that those whom we think have lost their jobs, because of the closure of manned checkouts, are the ones that do the picking and packing of goods ordered by online shoppers. They may not be on the front checkouts but you see them all the time with a trolley of shelves loaded full of items for online shoppers.

You are right, my friends daughter works at Woolies and she told us that that is exactly what happened.
She also told us that they are short staffed, not because Woolies are trying to cut staff, but because they can't get any. Everyone is having the same problem since COVID. Too many lazy sods don't want to work.

 

[Catherines]

Over the years I have noticed different overseas fads. Back in the 60s it was Rods in Maths. When America’s found it was a disaster , the powers that be put it into our schools. There have been other things along the way. Now check outs. Keep maybe 3 and 6 operated ones. Why pick up something that others are getting rid of.

Yes, we have become the country that follows America on far too many things.

Kids these days do not know how to read an actual wrist watch. They look at their fancy digital watches and like parrots they tell you the time because they are looking at what it says. Show them an old-style wrist watch and they cannot say what time it is especially if the watch has Roman numerals (like mine) instead of the common 1, 2, 3 numbers. Even then it is difficult for them and I doubt they would be able to say what 'x' means, never mind going further than that in Roman numerals!

I wear a Citizen watch which is well over 20 years old, works perfectly only needing battery changing every 2-3 years or so and the jeweller who changes them told me that Citizen watches of my kind are very good and not to get rid of it for a fancy digital one.

 

[BillW41]

That should make a dent in their profits........ Oh, I forgot.....they will just "up" their prices to compensate... silly me....

Self-service is an abomination which must cost supermarkets millions in lost revenue. Why do they persist?

 

[Glo72]

Nothing wrong with self serve checkouts. My daughter won’t use anything else. We are all different and you can choose how you shop but the naysayers have no right saying they need to be removed. If how you pay for your groceries is the only problem you have then you are blessed with a good life.

 

[loraines]

As people around the world become busier, automated technologies let us do more in less time. One of these is the self-service checkouts which many supermarkets in Australia are offering in-store.

But while convenience has become a staple in modern life, many people still prefer human-centric experiences, which is why the recent move by British supermarket Booths has stirred international attention by rolling back self-serve checkouts.

But the important question here is: Should Aussie supermarkets do the same?

Booths supermarket announced last week that it will remove self-serve checkouts in most stores due to customer feedback citing self-checkouts were ‘unreliable’ and ‘impersonal’.

‘We believe colleagues serving customers deliver a better customer experience, and therefore, we have taken the decision to remove self-checkouts in the majority of our stores,’ explained the company.

View attachment 34877

Global supermarkets such as Booths, Walmart and Costco are retracting self-serve checkouts. Image source: Pixabay

Certainly, there’s something comforting about having a cashier who assists shoppers whenever they can’t find the barcode on a certain item or if the item rings up incorrectly.

The decision also garnered a lot of attention closer to home, with local shoppers pondering whether other supermarkets—such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI would go the same route.

However, these supermarket giants were unanimous in their responses, saying that the self-serve checkout options will likely stay in place, at least for the foreseeable future.

Coles revealed that two out of three shoppers preferred the automated checkouts for ‘convenience and efficiency’, highlighting that they ‘help customers check out more quickly and pack their bags the way they like’.

‘Over the past year, we have seen greater customer satisfaction and uptake in our self-service options,’ said Coles.

‘Of course, if customers prefer to be served by a team member, someone will always be available in the service area to serve them.’

Meanwhile, Woolworths confirmed self-service checkouts are permanent and are always available in stores.

‘We know there’s many different opinions on the use of this technology, and that’s why we have a range of ways for customers to complete their shop,’ a Woolies spokesperson said.

‘Our supermarkets employ more team members than ever before as we expand to cater to a range of different shopping needs. From rapid grocery delivery to the traditional in-store experience, as well as other convenient options like Direct to Boot.’

View attachment 34876

Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI will continue to use self-checkouts in stores. Image source: Unsplash

ALDI, which only started introducing the machines in 2021, also shared that the technology is a ‘win-win’ for everyone because it is ‘not only efficient for our customers but also supports our business operations’ by freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.

Apart from Booths in the UK, major US retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Wegmans, and others are also scaling back on technology.

Key Takeaways

• International supermarkets are rolling back self-serve checkouts due to their perceived unreliability and impersonal nature.
• Despite this trend, major Australian retailers ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths are retaining the technology, indicating they're the preferred option for the majority of their customers.
• Coles and Woolworths said they have both self-service and human-operated checkouts, giving their shoppers choices based on their preferences.
• ALDI, which only introduced self-checkouts in 2021, claimed the technology not only benefits their shoppers but also supports their business operations.

Members, what's your take on self-service checkouts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Aldo doesn’t use self service checkouts! It’s why I will only shop there.

 

[loraines]

Aldi doesn’t use self service checkouts! It’s why I will only shop there.

 

[Rob44]

As people around the world become busier, automated technologies let us do more in less time. One of these is the self-service checkouts which many supermarkets in Australia are offering in-store.

But while convenience has become a staple in modern life, many people still prefer human-centric experiences, which is why the recent move by British supermarket Booths has stirred international attention by rolling back self-serve checkouts.

But the important question here is: Should Aussie supermarkets do the same?

Booths supermarket announced last week that it will remove self-serve checkouts in most stores due to customer feedback citing self-checkouts were ‘unreliable’ and ‘impersonal’.

‘We believe colleagues serving customers deliver a better customer experience, and therefore, we have taken the decision to remove self-checkouts in the majority of our stores,’ explained the company.

View attachment 34877

Global supermarkets such as Booths, Walmart and Costco are retracting self-serve checkouts. Image source: Pixabay

Certainly, there’s something comforting about having a cashier who assists shoppers whenever they can’t find the barcode on a certain item or if the item rings up incorrectly.

The decision also garnered a lot of attention closer to home, with local shoppers pondering whether other supermarkets—such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI would go the same route.

However, these supermarket giants were unanimous in their responses, saying that the self-serve checkout options will likely stay in place, at least for the foreseeable future.

Coles revealed that two out of three shoppers preferred the automated checkouts for ‘convenience and efficiency’, highlighting that they ‘help customers check out more quickly and pack their bags the way they like’.

‘Over the past year, we have seen greater customer satisfaction and uptake in our self-service options,’ said Coles.

‘Of course, if customers prefer to be served by a team member, someone will always be available in the service area to serve them.’

Meanwhile, Woolworths confirmed self-service checkouts are permanent and are always available in stores.

‘We know there’s many different opinions on the use of this technology, and that’s why we have a range of ways for customers to complete their shop,’ a Woolies spokesperson said.

‘Our supermarkets employ more team members than ever before as we expand to cater to a range of different shopping needs. From rapid grocery delivery to the traditional in-store experience, as well as other convenient options like Direct to Boot.’

View attachment 34876

Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI will continue to use self-checkouts in stores. Image source: Unsplash

ALDI, which only started introducing the machines in 2021, also shared that the technology is a ‘win-win’ for everyone because it is ‘not only efficient for our customers but also supports our business operations’ by freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.

Apart from Booths in the UK, major US retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Wegmans, and others are also scaling back on technology.

Key Takeaways

• International supermarkets are rolling back self-serve checkouts due to their perceived unreliability and impersonal nature.
• Despite this trend, major Australian retailers ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths are retaining the technology, indicating they're the preferred option for the majority of their customers.
• Coles and Woolworths said they have both self-service and human-operated checkouts, giving their shoppers choices based on their preferences.
• ALDI, which only introduced self-checkouts in 2021, claimed the technology not only benefits their shoppers but also supports their business operations.

Members, what's your take on self-service checkouts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[Rob44]

As people around the world become busier, automated technologies let us do more in less time. One of these is the self-service checkouts which many supermarkets in Australia are offering in-store.

But while convenience has become a staple in modern life, many people still prefer human-centric experiences, which is why the recent move by British supermarket Booths has stirred international attention by rolling back self-serve checkouts.

But the important question here is: Should Aussie supermarkets do the same?

Booths supermarket announced last week that it will remove self-serve checkouts in most stores due to customer feedback citing self-checkouts were ‘unreliable’ and ‘impersonal’.

‘We believe colleagues serving customers deliver a better customer experience, and therefore, we have taken the decision to remove self-checkouts in the majority of our stores,’ explained the company.

View attachment 34877

Global supermarkets such as Booths, Walmart and Costco are retracting self-serve checkouts. Image source: Pixabay

Certainly, there’s something comforting about having a cashier who assists shoppers whenever they can’t find the barcode on a certain item or if the item rings up incorrectly.

The decision also garnered a lot of attention closer to home, with local shoppers pondering whether other supermarkets—such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI would go the same route.

However, these supermarket giants were unanimous in their responses, saying that the self-serve checkout options will likely stay in place, at least for the foreseeable future.

Coles revealed that two out of three shoppers preferred the automated checkouts for ‘convenience and efficiency’, highlighting that they ‘help customers check out more quickly and pack their bags the way they like’.

‘Over the past year, we have seen greater customer satisfaction and uptake in our self-service options,’ said Coles.

‘Of course, if customers prefer to be served by a team member, someone will always be available in the service area to serve them.’

Meanwhile, Woolworths confirmed self-service checkouts are permanent and are always available in stores.

‘We know there’s many different opinions on the use of this technology, and that’s why we have a range of ways for customers to complete their shop,’ a Woolies spokesperson said.

‘Our supermarkets employ more team members than ever before as we expand to cater to a range of different shopping needs. From rapid grocery delivery to the traditional in-store experience, as well as other convenient options like Direct to Boot.’

View attachment 34876

Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI will continue to use self-checkouts in stores. Image source: Unsplash

ALDI, which only started introducing the machines in 2021, also shared that the technology is a ‘win-win’ for everyone because it is ‘not only efficient for our customers but also supports our business operations’ by freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.

Apart from Booths in the UK, major US retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Wegmans, and others are also scaling back on technology.

Key Takeaways

• International supermarkets are rolling back self-serve checkouts due to their perceived unreliability and impersonal nature.
• Despite this trend, major Australian retailers ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths are retaining the technology, indicating they're the preferred option for the majority of their customers.
• Coles and Woolworths said they have both self-service and human-operated checkouts, giving their shoppers choices based on their preferences.
• ALDI, which only introduced self-checkouts in 2021, claimed the technology not only benefits their shoppers but also supports their business operations.

Members, what's your take on self-service checkouts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

"automated technologies let us do more in less time. One of these is the self-service checkouts which many supermarkets in Australia are offering in-store"

Self-sevice checkouts let us do more in less time? Utter tripe! They are no quicker than a competent "c heck-out"chick and when there is a queue to use the damnable things they are slower to use than a competent "check out chick "who also has to deal with long queues because he/she is the only available person operating a cash register. Those automatic machines are there solely for the profit of the supermarkets who use them to sack staff who would otherwise be operating the cash registers.

 

[Rob44]

Oh;people around the world are busier than when I was a young lad? Yes; playing computer games which were not around when I were a young lad.

 

[Loubeauxarts]

Just as people are divided between cash vs plastic, so they are with manned vs self service checkouts. There is no one size fits all option so, to keep all us little Vegemites' happy, strike a happy medium and continue providing both.
Now that wasn't so difficult was it

 

[Magieme]

If more customers refuse to use self serve ,Woolworths,Coles,Aldi ,and others will get the message, and bring back serviced check outs ,or will find they will lose business.

Nah they enjoy the money they make from not employing enough staff. I recently was approached by a young staff member who said they would help me. I only had 1 or 2 things, he took over as he realised I am Very slow and easily confused. Nah I will wait in line and chat to the CHECKOUT person to put thru and pack my bags. I am able to sort my shopping on the rotating bench top and put my bags for use with the right purchases. I used a few times years ago. Nah I will stick to Checkouts

 

[Isis]

We don't use self service - prefer checkout chicks (hens or roosters do not matter!!) as someone still has a job. I would hazard a guess that those whom we think have lost their jobs, because of the closure of manned checkouts, are the ones that do the picking and packing of goods ordered by online shoppers. They may not be on the front checkouts but you see them all the time with a trolley of shelves loaded full of items for online shoppers.

Just back from the US Self serve checkouts in every store.

 

[David567]

We are given much choice. Either stand in line and wait for the one and only operator to serve you or serve yourself. Self serve is great for people buying 1 or 2 items but if you're doing the weekly shop these machines just hold up others even more because we are FORCED to self serve with a trolley fulll of groceries. You can't move your bags from the scales so you have to call the assistant.
If you have kids and they touch the scales you have to call the staff to fix it. Waste of time.

 

[Mrtnst]

mmm employing more? So where are they? Not on the floor to help. Not at checkouts- one or two open only and long lines. One on self checkout with customers waiting for help.

I imagine that the complaints and security departments have been growing a lot recently.

 

[Tootie]

I refuse to use them. Give me an assisted checkout any day! AI at the self-serve gets on my nerves, and on the odd occasion I have had to use one, a team member was needed when AI messed up the scanned articles. Oh yes, and Kmart should put the checkouts at the front of the stores again. A ridiculous move having them in the centre of the store!

 

[Leenie]

Yes, we have become the country that follows America on far too many things.

Kids these days do not know how to read an actual wrist watch. They look at their fancy digital watches and like parrots they tell you the time because they are looking at what it says. Show them an old-style wrist watch and they cannot say what time it is especially if the watch has Roman numerals (like mine) instead of the common 1, 2, 3 numbers. Even then it is difficult for them and I doubt they would be able to say what 'x' means, never mind going further than that in Roman numerals!

I wear a Citizen watch which is well over 20 years old, works perfectly only needing battery changing every 2-3 years or so and the jeweller who changes them told me that Citizen watches of my kind are very good and not to get rid of it for a fancy digital one.

Citizen watches are one of the best still have one over 40 years my late husband wore still can’t fault it .

 

[Leenie]

Aldo doesn’t use self service checkouts! It’s why I will only shop there.

Aldi have put 4 in recently and I refuse to use them . I am not their unpaid slave, same at woollies and coles. They want us to do their work then they should give a discount.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Nothing wrong with self serve checkouts. My daughter won’t use anything else. We are all different and you can choose how you shop but the naysayers have no right saying they need to be removed. If how you pay for your groceries is the only problem you have then you are blessed with a good life.

Yes I don't use them myself but pl
enty of people do. To each his own, but just wish they would put more staff on manned checkouts.

 

[kevinwoodtufftyke52@gmail]

As people around the world become busier, automated technologies let us do more in less time. One of these is the self-service checkouts which many supermarkets in Australia are offering in-store.

But while convenience has become a staple in modern life, many people still prefer human-centric experiences, which is why the recent move by British supermarket Booths has stirred international attention by rolling back self-serve checkouts.

But the important question here is: Should Aussie supermarkets do the same?

Booths supermarket announced last week that it will remove self-serve checkouts in most stores due to customer feedback citing self-checkouts were ‘unreliable’ and ‘impersonal’.

‘We believe colleagues serving customers deliver a better customer experience, and therefore, we have taken the decision to remove self-checkouts in the majority of our stores,’ explained the company.

View attachment 34877

Global supermarkets such as Booths, Walmart and Costco are retracting self-serve checkouts. Image source: Pixabay

Certainly, there’s something comforting about having a cashier who assists shoppers whenever they can’t find the barcode on a certain item or if the item rings up incorrectly.

The decision also garnered a lot of attention closer to home, with local shoppers pondering whether other supermarkets—such as Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI would go the same route.

However, these supermarket giants were unanimous in their responses, saying that the self-serve checkout options will likely stay in place, at least for the foreseeable future.

Coles revealed that two out of three shoppers preferred the automated checkouts for ‘convenience and efficiency’, highlighting that they ‘help customers check out more quickly and pack their bags the way they like’.

‘Over the past year, we have seen greater customer satisfaction and uptake in our self-service options,’ said Coles.

‘Of course, if customers prefer to be served by a team member, someone will always be available in the service area to serve them.’

Meanwhile, Woolworths confirmed self-service checkouts are permanent and are always available in stores.

‘We know there’s many different opinions on the use of this technology, and that’s why we have a range of ways for customers to complete their shop,’ a Woolies spokesperson said.

‘Our supermarkets employ more team members than ever before as we expand to cater to a range of different shopping needs. From rapid grocery delivery to the traditional in-store experience, as well as other convenient options like Direct to Boot.’

View attachment 34876

Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI will continue to use self-checkouts in stores. Image source: Unsplash

ALDI, which only started introducing the machines in 2021, also shared that the technology is a ‘win-win’ for everyone because it is ‘not only efficient for our customers but also supports our business operations’ by freeing up staff to focus on other tasks.

Apart from Booths in the UK, major US retailers such as Walmart, Costco, Wegmans, and others are also scaling back on technology.

Key Takeaways

• International supermarkets are rolling back self-serve checkouts due to their perceived unreliability and impersonal nature.
• Despite this trend, major Australian retailers ALDI, Coles, and Woolworths are retaining the technology, indicating they're the preferred option for the majority of their customers.
• Coles and Woolworths said they have both self-service and human-operated checkouts, giving their shoppers choices based on their preferences.
• ALDI, which only introduced self-checkouts in 2021, claimed the technology not only benefits their shoppers but also supports their business operations.

Members, what's your take on self-service checkouts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Is customer satisfaction more important than profits? Internationals think so but Aussie supermarkets are just greedy!