‘This shouldn’t be too hard,’ says Kroger shopper as he urges chain to bring back self-checkout feature after year away
A SHOPPER has demanded a self-checkout change at Kroger as others say they no longer want to shop there.
The customer took to X, formerly Twitter, to call out Kroger and other retailers including Pick N Save for failing to offer a new self-checkout option.
GettyKroger has been asked to re-introduce the mute feature on its self-checkouts (stock image)[/caption]
GettyThe proposal is being fed back to senior teams, according to the retailer, as shoppers criticize the effectiveness of the self-checkout voice[/caption]
“Okay @Kroger, @PicknSaveStores, @MyKingSoopers, @mymetromarket, bring back the ability to mute the self checkout!” the shopper wrote.
“Even @KwikTrip lets you do it.”
The shopper added that the mute option was available “for years” and then it was suddenly removed.
Kroger replied by saying that the feedback would be passed on to its leadership teams and the shopper noted the change “shouldn’t be too hard.”
Like-minded shoppers have complained about the change on the Reddit thread r/Kroger.
One customer explained that the option used to be given of having the voice on high, low, or mute before it just gave the two former options.
“I’m curious what purpose that might serve,” they said adding that “it’s just a cacophonous mix of a half-dozen recordings of the same disembodied woman’s voices…until everyone tunes it out.”
“Noticed this recently as well. Makes me never want to shop there again,” another added.
The only explanation offered in the thread for removing the mute option was that it alerts employees to potential shoplifting.
However, the disgruntled shoppers noted that with the number of times the voice speaks out it no longer grabs attention.
“That makes sense of course, although I wonder if it makes a practical difference. I’d think cashiers would get ‘alarm fatigue’ pretty quickly,” one said.
Another noted that customers will also be disinterested and fatigued by the continuous and sometimes incorrect requests made by the self-checkout which could lead to them ignoring legitimate issues.
“You already have cameras and the itemized list I rung up. What else do you need to prevent theft?” the shopper threatening to boycott the retailer added.
“Just treating customers like they’re stupid and like they’re thieves at the same time.”
This latter complaint has been made by numerous customers toward several major retailers in response to their anti-theft measures.
These include receipt checks, having products under lock and key, and item limits.
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.
Target shoppers have complained of long lines at self-checkouts after the retailer introduced operational hours at the kiosks and an item limit.
Walmart has been told to “quit playing games” with its receipt checks.
Both retailers along with rivals CVS, Walgreens, and Dollar Tree have all been slammed for locking up items on shelves which is set to see Amazon benefit.
Meanwhile, another Kroger customer has asked the retailer to make another change at the self-checkouts regarding payment methods.
In response, the retailer admitted that its current system “could be easy to miss.”
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Kroger for comment regarding the mute option on self-checkouts.
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