ALDI has once again been slammed by a customer for axing its self-checkout lanes, as shoppers have cried out for the convenience it offered them.
The latest complaint to add to the list scrutinized the 45 minute wait they were forced into to buy just three things.
Customers at Aldi have slammed the retailer for its lack of self-checkouts in some stores[/caption]
Aldi has come under fire recently for its new self-checkout policy, so much so that it was forced to set the record straight on what has changed.
A spokesperson for the company previously said that the changes were part of the continual testing that it carries out.
They commented: “We continually test and refine our in-store technologies and checkout options to better address customer needs and enhance operational efficiency.
“As part of this process, we have adjusted checkout formats in select locations to ensure we’re offering the best shopping experience possible while delivering exceptional value.”
The spokesperson clarified that self-checkouts have remained in a large majority of Aldi stores.
REDDIT RAGE
But this hasn’t stopped affected customers from speaking out over how the change has impacted them.
One person on the social media platform Reddit moaned that the lack of self-checkouts in their local Aldi has extended the time they spend shopping.
The customer said: “Today I ran in, grabbed a gallon of milk, Pack of chicken and Bob Evans potatoes.
“Went to check out and got stuck behind 8 full carts in the one register they had open on the weekend.
“I’m furious. If you take away the self checkout you need at least 4 registers open and one being 10 items or less.”
In the comments of the post, one person said that they only way they can beat this is if someone with more items lets them go in front of them.
The US Sun has reached out to Aldi for comment on the complaint, but did not hear back before publishing.
SELF-CHECKOUT LAW
The chaos at Aldi comes as retailers prepare for a new self-checkout law coming into effect on September 21 in Long Beach, California.
Known as “Safe Stores are Staffed Stores”, the new law requires that grocers and drug retailers have at least one worker monitoring self-checkout operations at all times.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
Shoppers have also spotted their local Walmart stores restricting customers to 15 items or less to use self-checkout machines.
These employees are not permitted to be doing other work during this time.
The law also dictates that a regular checkout lane must be open if there are self-checkouts in the store.
Stores face fines of up to $2,500 if they do not comply.
The state of Rhode Island is looking into its own self-checkout policy, aiming to introduce a law that mandates no more than six self-checkout lanes in a store.
It also specifies that at least one traditional checkout lane must be open and running for every two self-checkout kiosks.
The bill has been introduced by Senate President Valarie Lawson and is currently awaiting a vote.
A spokesperson for Aldi previously said that the self-checkout changes are part of the continual testing that it carries out[/caption]
