Shopping has become such a production even for the most basic grocery run. Line-ups, one-way shopping aisles, masks, gloves and worries of whether the staff are ill are just some of the challenges we face. As the pandemic continues, many retailers are adopting ways to serve their customers safely and efficiently. A Walmart in Fayetteville, Arkansas, for example introduced self-checkout kiosks, replacing their traditional check-out aisles. (1)
The Self Check-Out Option
The new self check-out allows customers to scan and pay for their items without interacting with a sales associate. This provides a safer way to handle purchases, literally reducing the number of “touch points” for an order. (1)
While some customers might appreciate this, others might prefer the traditional interaction. Those customers still have the option to check-out with a Walmart employee to scan and bag their purchases. (1)
“In our Fayetteville store, we’re redesigning what that front-end checkout looks like, so it will look a little bit different to customers,” says Walmart spokesperson Kory Lundberg. “Customers will continue to have all of the same options they’ve always had when it comes to checking out, whether they want to check out with an associate scanning their items and bagging their groceries, or if they want to use a self-checkout.” (1)
Self Check-Out Faster
The new system should speed up the checkout process, something many customers appreciate after already waiting in line to enter the store. Social distancing efforts limit how many people can shop, the main reason we all face those long line ups. (1)
“What we are looking at in this new setup is … how can we move people through a checkout experience quicker at a Walmart?” explains Lundberg. “How can we shorten the lines; how can we move people through and get them onto the rest of their day as quickly as possible?” (1)
Self Check-Out Gets Mixed Reviews
The new set-up is meeting mixed reviews with one customer commenting on the Fayetteville Walmart’s Facebook page, “Just wanted to let you know how much I dislike your new Self Check Only change. I self-check on many occasions when I have a few items, but do not want to check myself with a full cart. I will not be back until there is a change.” (1)
However, not all customers share this sentiment: “The less ppl I have to deal with the better! Only use self-check anyway. I think it’s great.” I tend to agree with both sides. I often use the self-checkout for quick small orders, but I am not sure I want to check out an entire weekly grocery run! (1)
No Jobs Lost To Self Check-Out
According to Lundberg, no jobs are lost to the automated checkout. “The checkout will look a little different and the job of the cashier may look a little bit different, but it’s still going to be in that store,” he says. It’s good to know shorter lines at the Walmart check-out doesn’t mean longer lines at the unemployment office (1)
