Shoppers are not happy with this 'ageist' self-checkout feature
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We here at the SDC are longtime fans of ALDI. Not only do they have some of the best prices on groceries around, but their products are also often just as good – if not better – than what you'd find at a more expensive supermarket.
We know that a lot of our members also love shopping there because it helps them to save a lot of money – something that's very important, especially for seniors on a fixed income.
So what's not to like? Well, apparently, there is one thing...and it has some customers pretty upset.
Recently, the supermarket has been trialling self-serve checkouts at stores across New South Wales – and this change has sparked some serious backlash from shoppers.
Why? Because these new checkouts are 'card only' payment methods; they don't accept cash!
For some shoppers (particularly seniors), this is a very big deal indeed, as many still prefer to use cash instead of cards for their transactions - especially small and quick ones.
One customer aged in her 70’s took to social media recently to express her frustration with the new system after she was unable to pay for her groceries with cash.
'I love ALDI, but today I was very disappointed,' the woman wrote in a Facebook post. 'Our local has just installed self-checkouts - which I am happy to use. I went prepared, but then I found out… it only accepts cards, not cash. Come on, ALDI, that is ageism!'
'I am 70+ years old, and I use cash, and so do most of my generation. It is not often I am disappointed by ALDI,' she went on to admit.
The post quickly garnered hundreds of responses from fellow Aussie shoppers who were quick to agree with the woman's claims, with many saying that it's discriminatory if supermarkets don't offer an alternative payment method for those who prefer cash.
One person argued: 'They have left the elderly and disabled behind,' while another added, 'Many still use cash; there should be a choice. I'm 53 and still prefer cash over a card. My mum is 85, and she only uses cash. We should all have a choice.'
'I'm 32 and mostly use cash. It's not just a seniors way. Cash is king and always will be,' said a third.
And we can definitely see their point… After all, even though credit and debit cards have been around for quite some time now (Quick fun fact: credit cards were first introduced in Australia way back in 1974!), many of us are still uncomfortable using them or simply don't have access to them.
In response to this growing backlash against its 'ageist' checkout system, an ALDI spokesperson told a news source recently: 'Self-serve checkouts are a quick and convenient way for customers to shop, and all ALDI self-serve checkouts are card only to maximise efficiencies.
Then, they added: 'If a customer prefers to use cash, our regular checkouts are always available.'
Well, that's good news for anyone who prefers to use ‘old-fashioned’ methods like coins and notes over plastic when paying for their grocery shopping!
Members; how do you feel about the current state of self-serve checkouts in supermarkets around the country? Do you think more should be done to provide options for those who prefer to use cash and interact with a checkout person? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
We know that a lot of our members also love shopping there because it helps them to save a lot of money – something that's very important, especially for seniors on a fixed income.
So what's not to like? Well, apparently, there is one thing...and it has some customers pretty upset.
Recently, the supermarket has been trialling self-serve checkouts at stores across New South Wales – and this change has sparked some serious backlash from shoppers.
Why? Because these new checkouts are 'card only' payment methods; they don't accept cash!
For some shoppers (particularly seniors), this is a very big deal indeed, as many still prefer to use cash instead of cards for their transactions - especially small and quick ones.
One customer aged in her 70’s took to social media recently to express her frustration with the new system after she was unable to pay for her groceries with cash.
'I love ALDI, but today I was very disappointed,' the woman wrote in a Facebook post. 'Our local has just installed self-checkouts - which I am happy to use. I went prepared, but then I found out… it only accepts cards, not cash. Come on, ALDI, that is ageism!'
'I am 70+ years old, and I use cash, and so do most of my generation. It is not often I am disappointed by ALDI,' she went on to admit.
The post quickly garnered hundreds of responses from fellow Aussie shoppers who were quick to agree with the woman's claims, with many saying that it's discriminatory if supermarkets don't offer an alternative payment method for those who prefer cash.
One person argued: 'They have left the elderly and disabled behind,' while another added, 'Many still use cash; there should be a choice. I'm 53 and still prefer cash over a card. My mum is 85, and she only uses cash. We should all have a choice.'
'I'm 32 and mostly use cash. It's not just a seniors way. Cash is king and always will be,' said a third.
And we can definitely see their point… After all, even though credit and debit cards have been around for quite some time now (Quick fun fact: credit cards were first introduced in Australia way back in 1974!), many of us are still uncomfortable using them or simply don't have access to them.
In response to this growing backlash against its 'ageist' checkout system, an ALDI spokesperson told a news source recently: 'Self-serve checkouts are a quick and convenient way for customers to shop, and all ALDI self-serve checkouts are card only to maximise efficiencies.
Then, they added: 'If a customer prefers to use cash, our regular checkouts are always available.'
Well, that's good news for anyone who prefers to use ‘old-fashioned’ methods like coins and notes over plastic when paying for their grocery shopping!
Key Takeaways
- A shopper has accused ALDI of 'ageism' after the supermarket giant introduced self-serve checkouts that only accept card payments.
- Many agreed and said that the move discriminates against those who prefer to use cash, as there are limited options for them.
Members; how do you feel about the current state of self-serve checkouts in supermarkets around the country? Do you think more should be done to provide options for those who prefer to use cash and interact with a checkout person? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!