Shoppers are fuming over this 'frustrating' Kmart checkout detail! Do you agree?
- Replies 127
Standing in line at the shops can be a frustrating experience, particularly when you have places to be and things to do.
It's an all-too-common experience for many of us. Every store seems to have its own ideas on how to do things, whether it’s self-checkouts or multiple queues. Some Aussies who shop at Kmart claim their checkout process is much easier than at most other stores.
But not everyone agrees. One such shopper has taken to social media to voice his concern over Kmart's unique checkout arrangement.
Rather than placing its checkouts at the front, Kmart moved them to the centre of the store a few years ago to smooth out queues, reduce congestion, and improve the overall shopping experience. For whatever reason, this change has not been implemented in all stores which leaves some customers feeling dissatisfied when they visit a different store to usual.
In these stores, the move means that Kmart staff and security now check everyone’s bags and purchases before they leave the store.
The shopper asked: ‘Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you’re going to treat EVERY SHOPPER like a shoplifter on the way out?’
Customers have reacted strongly to the Facebook post, with many sharing their own experiences and opinions.
Many shoppers agreed with the post and called out Kmart for making the checkout process ‘more inconvenient’ instead of solving the issue.
One user pointed out: ‘It’s so frustrating. They put 15-year-old kids on the door and expect them to be security.’
‘It’s horrendous on both sides of that transaction.’
‘I’m with you, mate. It’s the DUMBEST idea they’ve ever had. Now some Kmarts have self-service checkouts near the door,’ another said.
A third chimed in: ‘I know right. I totally agree with you.’
However, not all customers had a problem with the situation. Some argued that Kmart’s decision to move their checkouts was actually a smart one.
One person argued: ‘I used to think it was nuts but it makes sense.’
‘In the old days, the only way out of Kmart was via the registers whether you purchased something or not. It caused a bottleneck and required more staff attention than posting one person at the exit.’
They further explained that moving the checkout to the centre of the store encouraged more people to visit more places in the store, giving them more of a chance of discovering something additional they may have forgotten to buy.
As we mentioned earlier, the store layout may vary per location. While Kmart has not confirmed that all stores will change to this layout, it has been in many stores for years.
According to a Kmart spokesperson, the decision to relocate checkouts was aimed at minimising queues and clutter at store entrances to provide a pleasant and convenient shopping experience for both in-store and online customers.
This layout is more spacious and open, without the congestion that can occur when registers are placed at the front of the store, particularly during busy periods like Christmas.
It is a standard procedure for all customers to have their bags and receipts checked before exiting the store, regardless of how they made their purchase. This requirement applies to all Kmart stores.
The spokesperson assured that Kmart is committed to serving customers in various ways and looks forward to continuing to do so in the future.
Members, what do you think about the way Kmart has set up its checkouts? Do you agree with the customer who thinks it places all customers under suspicion? Or do you think it’s a smart move that encourages customers to window shop on their way out?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
It's an all-too-common experience for many of us. Every store seems to have its own ideas on how to do things, whether it’s self-checkouts or multiple queues. Some Aussies who shop at Kmart claim their checkout process is much easier than at most other stores.
But not everyone agrees. One such shopper has taken to social media to voice his concern over Kmart's unique checkout arrangement.
The decision by Kmart to relocate checkouts to the centre of stores has sparked debate. Credit: Facebook.
Rather than placing its checkouts at the front, Kmart moved them to the centre of the store a few years ago to smooth out queues, reduce congestion, and improve the overall shopping experience. For whatever reason, this change has not been implemented in all stores which leaves some customers feeling dissatisfied when they visit a different store to usual.
In these stores, the move means that Kmart staff and security now check everyone’s bags and purchases before they leave the store.
The shopper asked: ‘Why put the checkout area in the middle of the store if you’re going to treat EVERY SHOPPER like a shoplifter on the way out?’
Customers have reacted strongly to the Facebook post, with many sharing their own experiences and opinions.
Many shoppers agreed with the post and called out Kmart for making the checkout process ‘more inconvenient’ instead of solving the issue.
One user pointed out: ‘It’s so frustrating. They put 15-year-old kids on the door and expect them to be security.’
‘It’s horrendous on both sides of that transaction.’
‘I’m with you, mate. It’s the DUMBEST idea they’ve ever had. Now some Kmarts have self-service checkouts near the door,’ another said.
A third chimed in: ‘I know right. I totally agree with you.’
However, not all customers had a problem with the situation. Some argued that Kmart’s decision to move their checkouts was actually a smart one.
One person argued: ‘I used to think it was nuts but it makes sense.’
‘In the old days, the only way out of Kmart was via the registers whether you purchased something or not. It caused a bottleneck and required more staff attention than posting one person at the exit.’
They further explained that moving the checkout to the centre of the store encouraged more people to visit more places in the store, giving them more of a chance of discovering something additional they may have forgotten to buy.
As we mentioned earlier, the store layout may vary per location. While Kmart has not confirmed that all stores will change to this layout, it has been in many stores for years.
According to a Kmart spokesperson, the decision to relocate checkouts was aimed at minimising queues and clutter at store entrances to provide a pleasant and convenient shopping experience for both in-store and online customers.
This layout is more spacious and open, without the congestion that can occur when registers are placed at the front of the store, particularly during busy periods like Christmas.
It is a standard procedure for all customers to have their bags and receipts checked before exiting the store, regardless of how they made their purchase. This requirement applies to all Kmart stores.
The spokesperson assured that Kmart is committed to serving customers in various ways and looks forward to continuing to do so in the future.
Members, what do you think about the way Kmart has set up its checkouts? Do you agree with the customer who thinks it places all customers under suspicion? Or do you think it’s a smart move that encourages customers to window shop on their way out?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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