Walmart is always wading through the waters of change, but some adjustments are more accepted than others. The retailer has been slammed by shoppers over its switch from plastic bags at some stores, and more recently, it's stirred up controversy among customers after rolling out new shopping carts. Now, changes to its checkout process at certain locations are causing backlash from some. Read on to discover why at least one Walmart customer is now slamming the retailer for longer waits.
RELATED: Grocery Chains, Including Walmart, Are Closing Stores.
Walmart has received many complaints about its self-checkouts.
Most of us have grown used to the fact that self-checkout machines have taken over most retail stores—but that doesn't mean we're happy about it. Walmart, especially, has had to bear the brunt of criticism from consumers.
Back in July, the retailer had to offer full refunds to customers after some claimed they were essentially tricked into paying $49 to sign up for Walmart+ while checking out at the self-serve kiosks in stores. Then the next month, shoppers threatened to boycott the retailer after it announced it would be bringing more third-party ads to its self-checkouts.
Others have complained about being "watched like a criminal" while using the machines, and the "excruciating pain" that they experience when being forced to use self-checkout despite having limited mobility. Even Walmart's own workers have blamed the kiosks for the retailer's recent rise in retail theft.
"Theft is horrible at my store," a Walmart employee at a Spokane, Washington, location where there are only six staff-operated registers left in the entire store, told Insider. "If corporate actually visited at the store level and spoke with actual employees that deal with the theft, they might see how to fix the problem. They are converting stores to more self-checkouts with less employees. Self-checkout is where most theft happens."
RELATED: Walmart Worker Issues Warning to Shoppers About Self-Checkout.
Now, the retailer is getting rid of self-checkouts from some stores.
Amid these many complaints, it appears that Walmart is now doing an about-face in regards to its self-checkout explosion. The retailer is pulling self-checkout lanes from at least three of its stores in the U.S. and going back to cashiers, Insider reported. Walmart spokesperson Josh Havens told the news outlet that two locations in Albuquerque were recently renovated to replace checkout lanes, and changes to a third store in the area are set to be finished sometime in October.
"We continually look at ways to provide our customers with the best shopping experience and that includes adjusting the checkout area in stores," Havens said.
RELATED: New Law Wants to Introduce Tipping at Walmart and Other Major Retailers.
But now some shoppers are complaining about wait times.
Walmart might not be able to win either way, however. Some shoppers now are complaining that the switch is pushing wait times back up for checkouts, the Albuquerque Journal reported. Jonathan McKinney told the newspaper that while he appreciates "people having jobs," it recently took him much longer to get out of the newly renovated Albuquerque store on Carlisle Street than it would have if he had been able to use self-checkout lanes.
"I probably would have been out of here 15 minutes sooner," McKinney said, noting that that particular location is a "busy Walmart."
Walmart said it is not planning a widespread removal of self-checkouts.
Of course, others applauded the recent change by Walmart. Joseph Martinez, who has shopped at the Carlisle Walmart since it first opened, told the Albuquerque Journal that he enjoys being able to speak to cashiers at the store rather than having to check out his own items without any interaction.
"There's no excitement in the machine when you can't talk to it," Martinez said. "It's a lot better and more convenient to talk to somebody… Why need a machine when you can have a person and that person is making money? Maybe a cashier might have something important to say that might just change your whole life and the outlook of life. That's what it's all about: relationships."
But there's no telling whether or not your local Walmart store will be following suit. The retailer declined to say if similar redesigns were underway at other U.S. locations, Insider reported. But Walmart did tell the news outlet that the company currently has no plan for the widespread removal of self-checkout kiosks.
RELATED:For more up-to-date information, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Kali Coleman Kali Coleman is a Senior Editor at Best Life. Her primary focus is covering news, where she often keeps readers informed on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and up-to-date on the latest retail closures.Read moreFiled UnderNews • Retail • ShoppingRead This NextMultiple Walmart Stores Are Cutting Hours
The stores will close two hours earlier every night, a spokesperson confirmed.September 18, 2023Walmart Shopper Slams Self-Checkout
Her multiple sclerosis was severely triggered by a recent incident.September 15, 2023Walmart Shoppers Slam Self-Checkout
They don't like being closely watched by employees while checking out.September 1, 2023The Smart Man's Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Wine
That $2,000 bottle of Bourdeaux might be worth $20. Here’s how to be sure it’s the real thing.April 13, 2017The 5 Best Light-Bodied Red Wines for Extending Your Summer
Don't let September ruin a killer party. August 25, 201717 Insanely Cool New Luxury Bicycles for Spring
Meet the bikes that cost more than a car.March 31, 2017Best Life Essentials
You deserve the best. Live life to the fullest with these ultimate essentials.October 21, 2016This Is the Safest Way to Store Meat
Don't let that filet set you up for food poisoning. February 7, 2018Here Are the 10 Wealthiest Cryptocurrency Millionaires Under 40
Including one guy who is only 24 years-old!February 7, 2018This Is the Safest Way to Clean Your Floors
Keep your floors clean and looking brand new with this easy tip. February 8, 2018
