Shocking new Kmart security trial at self-serve checkouts sparks controversy!
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Have you ever had the awkward experience of having a checkout staff member approach you and tell you that you’re scanning an item correctly? If yes, then you’re not alone.
Kmart has been trialling a new security camera system at self-serve checkouts in selected stores across Australia, which already has some customers on edge.
Groundbreaking but also highly controversial new security measures have been introduced by Kmart at its self-serve checkouts, which are now using camera vision and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect when items have not been scanned properly.
According to Kmart, when the new system detects a missed scan, the register will pause and allow the shopper to correct the purchase scan before calling a Kmart staff member over.
The checkout team member will then be able to watch the footage to ensure that the goods were scanned correctly or not—and this, of course, has caused some shoppers to feel uneasy.
The store was quick to justify its new security measure in a statement, saying, 'In the current cost-of-living crisis, we are proud to be able to continue to offer the same low (or even lower) prices to customers.’
'The reason we are exploring technology options like this, as many others in the industry have already done, is because they have been shown to be effective in managing what is becoming a larger issue in Australia and help us continue to keep prices low for the vast majority of our customers who are doing the right thing,' they added.
‘The technology that is being trialled here is that which other large retailers and supermarkets use and detects items that have been incorrectly scanned so the customer can double-check they’ve scanned all their items.’
‘For the vast majority of our customers, there will be no impact on their shopping experience. Customers can opt-out by having a team member assist them in their checkout, and there is signage in-store explaining the purpose of the trial.’
This same AI and camera technology had also been implemented at Woolworths in 2022, and the feedback from customers was equally negative.
This move by Kmart is understood as a way to combat the recent influx of theft. It has also prompted other stores to have increased surveillance to track every customer's move.
In Coles, for instance, overhead cameras monitor each aisle while enhanced AI technology tracks scanning at checkout. There are new 'smart' lock gates that automatically close if someone tries to bolt without paying.
You can read more of that story here.
The security system has been criticised by some supermarket shoppers in the past, saying that they feel like they’re being ‘treated like a criminal’.
'I’m sick of standing waiting for assistance because they think I’ve stolen something,' one customer said.
It’s fair to say that these new security measures have caused a stir—and while they may prove effective in combating Australia’s larger theft issue, it's certainly making some shoppers reconsider the notion of convenience when shopping.
Not only do you never know when the cameras might trigger, but you’ll be subject to unexplained delays if it does happen. It’s no wonder consumers are feeling targeted.
What do you think of this story? Are you conscious of constantly being watched during self-service check-outs? Let us know in the comments below!
Kmart has been trialling a new security camera system at self-serve checkouts in selected stores across Australia, which already has some customers on edge.
Groundbreaking but also highly controversial new security measures have been introduced by Kmart at its self-serve checkouts, which are now using camera vision and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect when items have not been scanned properly.
According to Kmart, when the new system detects a missed scan, the register will pause and allow the shopper to correct the purchase scan before calling a Kmart staff member over.
A new security trial at Kmart’s self-service check-out counter sparks controversy from shoppers. Image: Youtube / @Australian Life TV
The checkout team member will then be able to watch the footage to ensure that the goods were scanned correctly or not—and this, of course, has caused some shoppers to feel uneasy.
The store was quick to justify its new security measure in a statement, saying, 'In the current cost-of-living crisis, we are proud to be able to continue to offer the same low (or even lower) prices to customers.’
'The reason we are exploring technology options like this, as many others in the industry have already done, is because they have been shown to be effective in managing what is becoming a larger issue in Australia and help us continue to keep prices low for the vast majority of our customers who are doing the right thing,' they added.
‘The technology that is being trialled here is that which other large retailers and supermarkets use and detects items that have been incorrectly scanned so the customer can double-check they’ve scanned all their items.’
‘For the vast majority of our customers, there will be no impact on their shopping experience. Customers can opt-out by having a team member assist them in their checkout, and there is signage in-store explaining the purpose of the trial.’
This same AI and camera technology had also been implemented at Woolworths in 2022, and the feedback from customers was equally negative.
This move by Kmart is understood as a way to combat the recent influx of theft. It has also prompted other stores to have increased surveillance to track every customer's move.
In Coles, for instance, overhead cameras monitor each aisle while enhanced AI technology tracks scanning at checkout. There are new 'smart' lock gates that automatically close if someone tries to bolt without paying.
You can read more of that story here.
The security system has been criticised by some supermarket shoppers in the past, saying that they feel like they’re being ‘treated like a criminal’.
'I’m sick of standing waiting for assistance because they think I’ve stolen something,' one customer said.
It’s fair to say that these new security measures have caused a stir—and while they may prove effective in combating Australia’s larger theft issue, it's certainly making some shoppers reconsider the notion of convenience when shopping.
Not only do you never know when the cameras might trigger, but you’ll be subject to unexplained delays if it does happen. It’s no wonder consumers are feeling targeted.
What do you think of this story? Are you conscious of constantly being watched during self-service check-outs? Let us know in the comments below!
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