Walmart takes a new 180º turn in the United States: members are amazed

In recent years, the use of self-checkout in supermarkets has become very popular among many customers. This method attracts those who are in a hurry, those who prefer to avoid conversations, or those who don't want anyone else to handle their purchases. However, this trend has also caused unexpected problems that are changing the way major chains manage their stores.

Walmart, one of the retail giants in the United States, has decided to make a major shift in its strategy regarding self-checkout. Faced with an increase in theft and difficulties in controlling losses, the company has started to remove self-checkout machines in some stores and to limit their use in others. This change has surprised its customers and members, who are closely watching how the rules are being redefined in these establishments.

Measures to fight theft in self-checkout

Self-checkout is an option valued by many, but it also has its dark side. On one hand, it attracts customers who want speed and privacy; on the other, it makes it easier for some users not to scan all their products, whether by mistake or intentionally. Walmart faces a huge challenge in distinguishing between forgetfulness and theft, and they don't want to falsely accuse their customers.

To control this situation, Walmart has implemented several strategies. For example, they can deactivate self-checkout machines and send staff to review purchases. This is done in a way that makes the customer believe it's a technical failure, avoiding direct confrontations. In addition, in many stores, the chain has reduced the maximum number of products allowed at these registers to 15 (15), and limits supervision to one machine per employee.

This measure aims to balance the reduction of labor costs and the prevention of losses, according to The Street. However, some users have questioned the efficiency of this system. As one user commented on Reddit: "If an employee has to watch a self-checkout machine, where's the real savings? Wouldn't it be better for an employee to handle the checkout directly?"

Removal of self-checkout in some stores

The problem of theft at self-checkout machines led Walmart to make a drastic decision in some locations. At a Supercenter in Shrewsbury, Missouri, these registers were removed after police reported a considerable increase in calls about theft. After removing the machines, incidents dropped significantly, according to data from local authorities.

This isn't the first time Walmart has chosen this quiet solution, although the company doesn't usually comment openly on these actions. Meanwhile, other chains like Dollar General have been more clear about it. Their CEO, Todd Vasos, reported that they removed self-checkout in 12,000 locations due to losses and to increase interaction between employees and customers.

Target has also taken similar measures, limiting self-checkout to small purchases and reducing hours for these registers in some stores. These decisions reflect a general shift in the industry, which is moving away from the unlimited self-checkout model in light of the problems it brings.