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KROGER has apologized after a shopper had a less-than-ideal experience at the self-checkout.
The customer was so aggrieved by the in-store issue that he revealed the times he ventures into the store to avoid using the machines.
Self-checkouts are an option at many small grocers and large retailers and are hailed for being a convenient tool.
But, the machines don’t always work as well as they should and have been the subject of widespread frustration.
One shopper, known only as Rami, said he had a problem after putting bagged items in his basket, according to an X post.
And he revealed the time he chooses to go in-store as it means he can use a cashier.
“Everytime I shop at Kroger I always go around 11:00 A.M. when they have cashiers,” he said.
Within minutes, Kroger issued a swift response.
“We apologize for any inconvenience,” a spokesperson said.
They invited Rami to send details of where the incident occurred.
The spokesperson revealed they would forward his details to senior leadership.
Rami urged Kroger chiefs to hire more cashiers – a response that the spokesperson thanked him for sending.
Kroger has been heavily criticized by shoppers over checkout problems.
Furious customers have claimed the process is ridiculous, as reported by The U.S. Sun.
Some shoppers have even urged execs to fix the machines after allegedly being accused of theft.
One called on the grocer to do better after a kiosk didn’t work as it should have.
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.
It is not just Kroger that has come under fire over issues that have arisen at self-checkouts.
Target has come under fire, specifically over its self-checkout policies.
The company hit the headlines when it launched a pilot program requiring shoppers to scan a maximum of 10 items at the checkout.
The policy was trialed at around 200 stores last fall and has since been rolled out widely.
But, just like Kroger, the chain has come under criticism.
SELF-CHECKOUT FURY
Shoppers have claimed workers have made them count the items in their carts to ensure they’re complying with the new limit.
Others have questioned the purpose of the policy.
Shoppers admitted it is impossible to leave Target with just one item, never mind 10.
“I don’t think I can leave without spending at least $200,” a shopper chimed.
Schnucks outlets and certain Walmart stores have also introduced policies limiting the number of items that can be scanned at the machines.
Initially, Schnucks bosses only allowed shoppers to scan a maximum of 10 items at the checkout, but the limit has been extended to 15.
Kroger has come under fire when machines have malfunctioned[/caption]
