Yahoo UK’s poll of the week offers readers the opportunity to voice their opinions on a variety of hot topics. Each week, users can vote and indicate their strength of feeling on a specific issue, with the results being published and analyzed every Friday. This allows readers to see how polarizing a topic has become and whether their views align with those of other Yahoo UK readers.
Recently, supermarket giant Morrisons made headlines by announcing plans to remove some self-checkouts from its stores. CEO Rami Baitiéh admitted that the chain had gone „too far“ with the technology, acknowledging that some shoppers dislike it, especially when they have a full trolley. This move comes as other British supermarket chains, such as Asda and Booths, have also opted to switch back to manned tills due to consumer dissatisfaction with automated checkouts.
According to Retail Gazette, Morrisons conducted an analysis of the number of self-checkouts in each store and identified 20 locations where a reduction in unmanned tills was necessary. One Morrisons supermarket in Brough, Yorkshire, recently removed self-checkouts in favor of four new manned tills, a change that Baitiéh stated was well-received by both employees and customers.
Baitiéh also raised concerns about the correlation between a high number of self-checkout tills and an increase in shoplifting within the supermarket chain. This issue has prompted other retailers, like Asda, to invest £30 million in putting more staff back on tills to combat theft and improve customer service.
While self-checkout technology was initially introduced in the 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s, consumers have not fully embraced the concept. Problems with technology malfunctions, age verification checks, and long wait times have left many customers feeling frustrated. A YouGov poll in 2022 revealed that only 36% of Britons would choose a self-checkout till in an empty supermarket, compared to 56% who prefer manned tills. Additionally, a 2024 poll found that 27% of respondents consider self-checkouts to be more annoying than having to pay for plastic bags.
Christopher Andrews, author of The Overworked Consumer, criticized self-checkouts for failing to deliver on their promises for both consumers and retailers. He argued that the technology has not saved money as intended and has instead led to increased theft and customer dissatisfaction.
As the debate over the benefits and drawbacks of self-checkouts continues, Yahoo UK’s poll of the week invites readers to share their opinions on the topic. Stay tuned for the results and analysis on Friday to see where your views align with those of other readers. Don’t forget to check out more of Yahoo UK’s Poll of the Week articles for engaging discussions on current issues.