Shoppers are feeling unsettled with this new 'invasive' feature at Coles
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Many agree that modern advancements have made parts of our lives simpler.
However, there is a fine line between technological advancement and invasion of privacy—and Coles Supermarket might have tripped over it recently.
We recently wrote about how the recent security changes in supermarkets sparked concern among experts who have voiced their fears about fostering an undercurrent of 'distrust' and even 'trauma' for some shoppers while in stores.
Now, Coles shoppers across Australia have raised their eyebrows and shared some concerns about another security feature at their local self-serve Coles stations.
The feature—which captures an image of the shopper and flashes it on the top right corner of the checkout counter’s screen—has caused quite a stir, with shoppers dubbing it as 'really invasive'.
'[What is this]? When you put your groceries through at Coles, you see yourself on camera in this square. More surveillance overdrive,' the livid shopper said.
'I got a shock to see myself on the screen! Feels really invasive.'
It was reported that Coles implemented stringent security measures as a response to the rise of theft incidents which is up by 20 per cent this year.
However, even though these heightened security measures are deemed necessary by the retail giant, customers differ in opinion.
'I know they will justify their reasons for the cameras for like theft and whatnot, but I don't like them one bit,' one customer said.
While another added: 'Thanks for posting that, I value my privacy and won't be shopping there.'
Besides this function, Coles is reportedly keen on introducing many more in-store advancements, including cameras, trolley locks, fog machines, and smart gates.
'What we've done is taken the best of what's overseas and then enhanced it with a few other tweaks, so we believe we've got world-class loss-prevention technology in our stores,' Matt Swindells, the Chief Operation Officer at Coles said.
'If you're a thief, we're gonna catch [you],' he added.
Staff will also be wearing watches that could alert other co-workers when faced with trouble and bodycams that could record all their interactions—similar to what police officers use.
'If you're going to start to threaten a staff member, then we will document it and take the necessary actions.'
Furthermore, Coles reportedly installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.
Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how the new technology works saying: 'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open.'
Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.
You can read more about this story here.
Similarly, the supermarket had implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.
One shopper took to the internet to share his experience and warned other customers to exercise caution when leaving the store.
The man said he was pushing his toddler in a trolley—with nothing but empty reusable bags in it—out of a Moonee Ponds Coles store in Melbourne when an alarm was suddenly triggered. As the alarm began to beep, he realised the trolley wheels had locked up and could not move.
A cashier then verified that nothing had been stolen and 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device which allowed the man to pass through.
You can read more details about this anti-theft measure here.
Members, what are your thoughts on Coles' new stringent security measures? Do you think these are enough to deter theft? Let us know in the comments below!
However, there is a fine line between technological advancement and invasion of privacy—and Coles Supermarket might have tripped over it recently.
We recently wrote about how the recent security changes in supermarkets sparked concern among experts who have voiced their fears about fostering an undercurrent of 'distrust' and even 'trauma' for some shoppers while in stores.
Now, Coles shoppers across Australia have raised their eyebrows and shared some concerns about another security feature at their local self-serve Coles stations.
Customers have raised their eyebrows and voiced out their concerns about a new security feature at Coles. Image source: Shutterstock.
The feature—which captures an image of the shopper and flashes it on the top right corner of the checkout counter’s screen—has caused quite a stir, with shoppers dubbing it as 'really invasive'.
'[What is this]? When you put your groceries through at Coles, you see yourself on camera in this square. More surveillance overdrive,' the livid shopper said.
'I got a shock to see myself on the screen! Feels really invasive.'
It was reported that Coles implemented stringent security measures as a response to the rise of theft incidents which is up by 20 per cent this year.
However, even though these heightened security measures are deemed necessary by the retail giant, customers differ in opinion.
'I know they will justify their reasons for the cameras for like theft and whatnot, but I don't like them one bit,' one customer said.
While another added: 'Thanks for posting that, I value my privacy and won't be shopping there.'
Besides this function, Coles is reportedly keen on introducing many more in-store advancements, including cameras, trolley locks, fog machines, and smart gates.
'What we've done is taken the best of what's overseas and then enhanced it with a few other tweaks, so we believe we've got world-class loss-prevention technology in our stores,' Matt Swindells, the Chief Operation Officer at Coles said.
'If you're a thief, we're gonna catch [you],' he added.
Staff will also be wearing watches that could alert other co-workers when faced with trouble and bodycams that could record all their interactions—similar to what police officers use.
'If you're going to start to threaten a staff member, then we will document it and take the necessary actions.'
Furthermore, Coles reportedly installed automatic gates and high-tech surveillance in their self-serve checkout areas.
Woolworths spokesperson Mark van den Bosch demonstrated how the new technology works saying: 'Because I haven’t paid for my goods, the exit gates won’t open.'
Van den Bosch further discussed Woolworths’ decision to introduce this trial, stating they had seen a 'spike in shoplifting' in their stores.
You can read more about this story here.
Similarly, the supermarket had implemented an anti-theft measure where trolley wheels would be locked up if it contained alleged stolen items.
One shopper took to the internet to share his experience and warned other customers to exercise caution when leaving the store.
The man said he was pushing his toddler in a trolley—with nothing but empty reusable bags in it—out of a Moonee Ponds Coles store in Melbourne when an alarm was suddenly triggered. As the alarm began to beep, he realised the trolley wheels had locked up and could not move.
A cashier then verified that nothing had been stolen and 'magically unlocked' the trolley wheels with a hand-held device which allowed the man to pass through.
You can read more details about this anti-theft measure here.
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