It is only going to get worse. A new store called Five Below (not a grocery store) just opened. All automated no checkers. I don't mind checking out a few of my groceries- but when I have a lot- I want them to do that. I always bag better than they were taught, so don't mind that part.
It's a love/hate relationship with me. If I have just a few items with distinct code tags on them and there are 15 people waiting at the 20-items-or-less lane, I'll use the self check. Otherwise, I'll pick the shortest line (usually that turns out to be the "wrong" line)and wait it out.
@Gloria Mitchell While in high school, my wife worked at Scott's, the largest grocery supermarkets in Ft. Wayne. They were 24/7. She remarks bitterly about how poorly trained today's checkers are, and the lack of understanding of proper bagging. While there, she memorized all the various codes, knew the daily sale prices on produce, which changed often, the check-out person did much by rote of what today's computerized systems do. Frank
We won't use self check out, doing people out of a job doesn't appeal to us and the more shoppers object the cashiers will keep their jobs
My usual routine on Sundays is flea market then to stop at Kroger. Last Sunday at Kroger only one cashier working. In front of me at checkout two people one being serviced with her cart full (top and bottom), the person in front of me and myself cart full (top and bottom). I considered doing self check out which I have never done before with the amount of groceries I had but decided to wait. Then when the first the lady pulled out a handful of coupons . I headed over to the self check out. A staff person at the self check out suggested the lane I just left I shook my head - no, I'm good. That was one of the funniest experiences I ever had shopping. I was calling for help because of items not registering - 'Please put item in the bagging area.' Help is on the way.'; I did three payouts because you can only put so much on the bagging area. The staff person bought over an empty cart when she saw what I was doing - a big help (thanked her). I'm sure the security guard had an interesting story to tell at the end of his day.
I agree, Von... self checkout is kind of fun. I'm not good at standing in line while my ice cream melts, so I always go for the most expedient way out of the store. (Not that I always make the right choice in that regard, lol.)
@Von Jones "I'm sure the security guard had an interesting story to tell at the end of his day." And, I am sure most would agree with me that your description of the events kept us wondering from start to finish.....what was going to happen. Have you considered writing a novel? And, your longest post ever! Neat! Frank
I live in the part of Jacksonville where the WalMart doesn't have self checkout because of too many shop lifters. There is a security guard at the door instead. We have pockets of nice neighborhoods, but are surrounded by many other things.
If you have one of these, you can thread the grocery bags in it, carry by the aluminum handle and all the bags won't cut into your hand. You can get any cheap version of it.
Lon would you still prefer delivery if you were more mobile and had your own transportation? I enjoy getting out into the community,meeting and greeting with my neighbors. Watching life drive by on the street. A big danger with the senior population,(of which I am not quite there yet) is self isolation. Limiting yourself to a microcosm of life seems self defeating.
I used to shop at Kroger all the time. I miss that store. Five Below - Love that place. Self Check Out - If I could, I would.