ALDI has implemented a new policy without informing its customers. The retail giant continues to eliminate self-checkout lanes at several of its stores across the country, and customers are demanding explanations. Self-checkout lanes have disappeared from various branches in Illinois, Maryland, and California without the company providing any reason, while speculation grows about theft and service failures. The elimination of self-checkout lanes has resulted in long lines at the checkout.
“As part of this process, we have adjusted the checkout layouts in some stores to ensure the best possible shopping experience”
Self-checkout kiosks are now commonplace in many supermarkets and even clothing stores. In Aldi’s case, the service began operating in 2021 and had already reached hundreds of locations. Aldi has now explained the reason for removing the self-checkout kiosks. “As part of this process, we have adjusted the checkout layouts in some stores to ensure the best possible shopping experience while offering excellent value for money,” said a company spokesperson, explaining that they “will continuously test and refine their in-store payment technologies and options to better meet customer needs and improve operational efficiency.”
Customers spoke of chaos and confusion, as they had not been notified of the removal of the self-checkouts
This has sparked much criticism, as Aldi is a very busy supermarket, and customers complain that the long queues make shopping almost unbearable. Some confirmed that the self-checkout machines were still available at their nearest stores, while others pointed to the chaos caused by the sudden removal of this option. Customers spoke of chaos and confusion, as they had not been notified of the removal of the self-checkouts. In fact, one customer even revealed that he was left in line for 45 minutes because there was no self-checkout option.
Complications with ID verification for purchasing alcoholic beverages at the stations have also been mentioned
Among regular customers and even the chain’s own employees, there are concerns about the security and inefficiency of the self-checkout system. It has even been suggested that the decision to discontinue it stems from the fact that, instead of saving time, the stations required too much assistance, causing customers to waste even more time buying a couple of items. Complications with ID verification for purchasing alcoholic beverages at the stations have also been mentioned, requiring excessive staff assistance and, again, wasting time.
Target, Walmart, and Dollar General have also begun removing these machines from their stores due to theft
This situation has also affected other establishments like Sam’s Club, which has also implemented self-checkout systems and recently announced it will eliminate these self-checkout kiosks and implement a new product scanning system. Furthermore, according to the Daily Mail, Target, Walmart, and Dollar General have also begun removing these machines from their stores due to theft. Among the speculation, several customers suggested the decision was prompted by theft, as shoplifting rates in these types of stores are steadily increasing.
Of 2,000 customers surveyed who used self-checkout lanes, 15% had intentionally stolen an item
In fact, regarding this last point, some states are implementing measures to curb the rising number of shoplifting incidents. Democratic Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas of Los Angeles is sponsoring Senate Bill 442 to regulate self-checkout lanes at supermarkets and pharmacies in California. The goal is to improve working conditions for employees. According to data from Lending Tree, of 2,000 customers surveyed who used self-checkout lanes, 15% had intentionally stolen an item. Apparently, the surveys confirm what the theft data suggests. In fact, the survey also revealed that 44% of those who admitted to shoplifting at self-checkout lanes planned to do it again.
