We all are so freaking tired of waiting in long lines at the checkout counters. It’s not personal, folks, but some human cashiers are really slow, and sometimes you’re just in a hurry. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to pay for your groceries, some stores might have the solution for you, but not Trader Joe’s. Why does this chain does not have self-checkout kiosks?
Trader Joe’s has decided to put people over machines and has vowed never to install self-checkout lines. While other stores are cutting jobs and replacing human cashiers with machines, Trader Joe’s is actually hiring more crew to provide a better shopping experience for you. Sure, self-checkout kiosks might seem like a quick and easy solution for people who only have a few items to purchase. But have you ever been stuck behind someone who doesn’t know how to use them? It’s frustrating and time-consuming, for both you and that stranger. Plus, the arrival and spread of these machines means that cashiers are losing their jobs, and that’s a complicated discussion.
The Secret Behind Trader Joe’s Success: Why They Don’t Need Self-Checkout
Recently, Trader Joe’s stated that they understand the value of its employees and is committed to providing excellent customer service. With more crew members available, you’ll always have someone to help you find your next favorite product or answer any questions you might have. They’ll even bag your groceries for you, which is something you won’t get with a self-checkout machine.
Some might argue that self-checkout machines are efficient and cost-effective. But at what cost? Is it worth sacrificing human interaction and connection just to save a few seconds at the checkout counter? Trader Joe’s is taking a bold stand by putting people first. It’s refreshing to see a company that values its employees and is committed to providing a positive shopping experience for its customers. By standing firm on their values, Trader Joe’s is gaining even more loyal customers who appreciate their commitment to their employees and their community.
Why Nobody Likes Self-Checkout and Why It’s Omnipresent
A survey of 1,000 shoppers conducted last year found that 67% of them had encountered issues while using self-checkout lanes. These errors have become so frequent that they have spawned numerous memes and TikTok videos. Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, who has researched self-checkout, stated that people expect the experience to be seamless, but it is far from it.
However, it is not just customers who are frustrated with self-checkout. Stores also face difficulties with the technology, including high installation costs, frequent breakdowns, and fewer items being purchased by customers. Additionally, self-checkouts are associated with increased losses due to shoplifting, compared to traditional checkout lanes with human cashiers.
Despite these challenges, the use of self-checkout is increasing. According to the latest data from the food industry association FMI, 29% of transactions at food retailers in 2020 were processed through self-checkout, up from 23% the previous year. That trend continued in 2021, and 2022, and it’s expected to grow in 2023 even more.