I like this trend!

by Kathleen Sat Jul 09, 2011 12:28 pm

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43687085/?GT1=43001

Major grocer getting rid of self-checkout lanes
Albertsons will replace computers, wants more human contact

by TR11005 Sat Jul 09, 2011 2:05 pm

I never did like them. Even though I love computers. This eliminates jobs and human interaction. It is bad enough we were forced to pump our own gas. Grocery stories are a service.

Look at high many gasoline attendants and mechanics jobs were eliminated. Did they bring down the price of gas? NO!

by TOO OLD TO HIRE IN PA Sat Jul 09, 2011 2:06 pm

Kathleen wrote:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43687085/?GT1=43001

Major grocer getting rid of self-checkout lanes
Albertsons will replace computers, wants more human contact

I like this too. Technology has been a big culprit in the loss of jobs. Look at how many of our bookstores are closing because of those computer readers. Not to mention our libraries. Banks have fewer tellers because of on-line banking. Shopping on-line is convenient, but many people who work in the big department stores have lost jobs. Technology has been touted as a good thing, but I am not so sure anymore. JMO

by Guest Sat Jul 09, 2011 4:57 pm

Not to mention, if you are buying produce and the little sticker doesn't scan or God forbid don't buy loose bakery items. They need to call the IT Team, the store manager and then they have to do their thing for 10 minutes while everyone in line gives you the hater looks. People, we need people. Ever try it to get out quicker at Home Depot or Lowes, never fails, I always need customer assistance, item not found, enter the sku by hand, still not found. People. I love people.

by Kulkulkan Sat Jul 09, 2011 5:32 pm

I never had too much trouble with these as a consumer, but then I am more than a little tech savvy. Many of those I've known in the retail field, though HATE these, as many folks just are completely unable and unwilling to use these correctly, and are the bane of many an attendant. Probably more trouble than they are worth to all concerned.

Also, if you are buying something age restricted, like alcohol or tobacco, you STILL need an attendant to come over anyway. I guess I know I'm not a kid anymore when they don't even need to see my ID to know I'm old enough to buy booze ...

by Kathleen Sat Jul 09, 2011 6:59 pm

MaryKay wrote:Not to mention, if you are buying produce and the little sticker doesn't scan or God forbid don't buy loose bakery items. They need to call the IT Team, the store manager and then they have to do their thing for 10 minutes while everyone in line gives you the hater looks. People, we need people. Ever try it to get out quicker at Home Depot or Lowes, never fails, I always need customer assistance, item not found, enter the sku by hand, still not found. People. I love people.

I was in Lowes a couple of months ago and while waiting for the clerk to figure out what the lady in front of me was saying I got into a conversation with a person behind me. We could have gone to a self serve lane, but whole heartedly agreed that waiting for a real person was worth it! To many jobs are replaced by machines and computers (more than overseas?). Made me re-think my use of ATMs and online bill pay. But then.... banks charge you to interact with a person. Evil or Very Mad

by evw59 Sat Jul 09, 2011 7:17 pm

I'm all for the saving jobs aspect, However the Albertsons here in Portland,Oregon have the slowest simple minded workers I've ever encountered anywhere!
They never had the auto check-out at this location and I wish they did!
I like this trend! 944440

by lendmeflight2 Sat Jul 09, 2011 10:30 pm

At one of my old jobs the cashiers were excited when they were getting a self checkout. I told them that they should delay the celebration, this will just mean that they will keep less cashiers. Sure enough, within 6 months, they went from 12 cashiers to 5. I refuse to use them if I can help it. The cashier always asks me why I waited in line and I tell them that "it keeps people working".