Walmart removing self checkouts, reported results include significant reduction in theft

[GON]

A Walmart in Missouri with high theft/shoplifting did the unthinkable. Walmart reduced self checkout and increased cashier manning stations.

Results include a very significant shift in losses from theft/ shoplifting.

I find this interesting as it seemed big merchants preferred losses from theft/shoplifting over paying and managing cashiers. I guess at some point, the losses from theft/shoplifting became to high to pass to the customers.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/yourmon...checkout-uturn-surge-police-calls-stores.html

 

[eljefino]

I'm sure they analyze it on a store-by-store basis. WM didn't get where they are by being dumb.

 

[dishdude]

Walmart's asset protection is on a different level, you'd be crazy to even think about trying something there. They're also in cahoots with all the local law enforcement, it's wild to read about some of the minor stuff they can get the local police to prosecute.

I won't step foot in the store, it's a hell hole. My Amex pays for Walmart+ so I let them bring the stuff to me.

 

[ripcord]

One of my decision points for stores to avoid is whether or not they have locks on the bathrooms. This applies double for Walmart.

 

[wavinwayne]

Hasn't happened at the WMs near me, but the Dollar Generals in my area shut all their self checkouts down last year, presumably for the same reason.

 

[GON]

Walmart's asset protection is on a different level, you'd be crazy to even think about trying something there. They're also in cahoots with all the local law enforcement, it's wild to read about some of the minor stuff they can get the local police to prosecute.

I won't step foot in the store, it's a hell hole. My Amex pays for Walmart+ so I let them bring the stuff to me.

For many years I disliked Walmart.

When I was transferred to central Pennsylvania, Walmart was the only retailer of any significance within 75 miles. I learned a lot about Walmart that gave me a second look as a retailer.

A few of the things I really learned to appreciate about included no goofy loyalty card games that are full of trickery about every major grocery store does, no buy two the cost is $2.99 per item, but buy one the cost is $4.59 for one, many name brands to compliment store brands (not overstrength store brands reducing choice), surprisingly large selection of different cheeses, and many other items.

Essentially, Wal Mart was the only major retailer with the exception of Costco that wasn't trying to non-stop trick me during shopping. I didn't need to invest extra brain power to avoid being tricked while shopping at Wal mart. Something Albertsons, Fred Myers, Safeway. King Soopers, Walgreens, CVS, etc all seem to focus extra heavy on.

 

[dishdude]

For many years I disliked Walmart.

When I was transferred to central Pennsylvania, Walmart was the only retailer of any significance within 75 miles. I learned a lot about Walmart that gave me a second look as a retailer.

A few of the things I really learned to appreciate about included no goofy loyalty card games that are full of trickery about every major grocery store does, no buy two the cost is $2.99 per item, but buy one the cost is $4.59 for one, many name brands to compliment store brands (not overstrength store brands reducing choice), surprisingly large selection of different cheeses, and many other items.

Essentially, Wal Mart was the only major retailer with the exception of Costco that wasn't trying to non-stop trick me during shopping. I didn't need to invest extra brain power to avoid being tricked while shopping at Wal mart. Something Albertsons, Fred Myers, Safeway. King Soopers, Walgreens, CVS, etc all seem to focus extra heavy on.

I don't disagree, but I tend to live in urban areas and the Walmart stores located in those areas are always the worst. My dad lives in a more rural county and the Walmart by him is clean, uncluttered and actually has a pleasant shopping experience.

I generally stick to Costco, Aldi and Trader Joe's. The few things I can't get there come from Amazon or Walmart+ delivery.

Not sure how the busy Walmart stores are such disasters. They don't bring the carts in from the parking lots, staff the check out appropriately, manage basic stocking or general maintenance and housekeeping. It's like they staff all the stores the same regardless of how much traffic they receive.

 

[mrsilv04]

One of my decision points for stores to avoid is whether or not they have locks on the bathrooms. This applies double for Walmart.

My local Home Depot has the restrooms locked up. The code to get into the bathroom is their store number, LOL.

 

[Cropduster172]

I have 3 Walmarts within a 10 mile radius of where we live. The 2 closest to Philadelphia have no self checkouts. The one in mushroom country has 6-8 that are always open and staffed by a front end supervisor even early in the AM.
The store is spotless, the grocery store portion is huge and you almost always find even the more unusual grocery items... fresh seafood being the exception. The same holds true for the one 12 miles south in the outskirts of Amish country.... Oxford, PA.

 

[AKhan87]

I have 3 Walmarts within a 10 mile radius of where we live. The 2 closest to Philadelphia have no self checkouts. The one in mushroom country has 6-8 that are always open and staffed by a front end supervisor even early in the AM.
The store is spotless, the grocery store portion is huge and you almost always find even the more unusual grocery items... fresh seafood being the exception. The same holds true for the one 12 miles south in the outskirts of Amish country.... Oxford, PA.

agreed, I have traveled all over the US, every Walmart is different, even the store layouts. Self checkout, cashiers, or even checking receipts at the door, is all based on the local area.

The biggest anomaly and how "horrible" compared to other Walmart was the one in Irvine, CA because it is in a very nice area but they check every single receipt, I am surprised at the moment of theft at the Irvine, CA Walmart.

 

[Zee09]

The Dollar Generals here said it was the worst move they ever made.
They are all getting shut down...

 

[CharBaby]

One WM store by me has removed the self checkout and has increased SECURITY.

 

[SC Maintenance]

They will need to hire more cashiers, which they won't do. They will try to gas-light saying no one will take the job, then we will see another article like this.

It probably will change over time. The oldest game in the retail theft book was just take your goods to a cashier you know and they won't scan a couple expensive items. I know a retired regional retail manager at a much higher end place than walmart. He said 95% of retail theft is an inside job.

One of the Walmart's here must be a beta tester, because they change every week. Last time there were no self checkouts - but they had self checkout still for the walmart loyalty program, whatever its called?

The lines were too long so I won't be back to that one unless its 7AM. I will let them deliver for free.

 

[Gyro Gearloose]

The lines were too long so I won't be back to that one unless its 7AM.

This was the original problem. You would go in there during the evening for a few things small but critical like a bottle of contact solution and baby formula and out of 20 registers they would have 2 open. You would get stuck behind 6-8 people in the 20 count line or the once a month shoppers with two carts overflowing in the other line. WM probably never noticed but I quit going for anything but oil. Kroger was 3 miles further away but worth it to avoid the frustration.

 

[4WD]

Walmart's asset protection is on a different level, you'd be crazy to even think about trying something there. They're also in cahoots with all the local law enforcement, it's wild to read about some of the minor stuff they can get the local police to prosecute.

I won't step foot in the store, it's a hell hole. My Amex pays for Walmart+ so I let them bring the stuff to me.

Yeah, their parking spots are better than handicap parking …

 

[MasterSolenoid]

A store has to do whatever it can to prevent theft.
If they have to close the self-checkout area, I can only blame the shoppers.

My complaint with Walmart is that they want to check EVERY receipt upon leaving.
I figure they're only looking at the date & time.

If my items all fit into a cloth-bag, I won't show them.
If I have 'loose' items in the cart, I'm glad to show them the receipt.

Walmart is nice for NOT playing the coupon game.
Usually comparable or lowest prices around.

My other options are:
Have Walmart deliver for me, if it's FREE
Target is in the same area.

 

[Dave Hess]

They need to keep at least 10 registers open at all times.

6 extra part-time cashiers won’t kill Walmart.

I no longer shop at Walmart, I can order everything from Amazon and not have to deal with the hassles of Walmart shopping.

 

[slo town]

This was the original problem. You would go in there during the evening for a few things small but critical like a bottle of contact solution and baby formula and out of 20 registers they would have 2 open. You would get stuck behind 6-8 people in the 20 count line or the once a month shoppers with two carts overflowing in the other line. WM probably never noticed but I quit going for anything but oil. Kroger was 3 miles further away but worth it to avoid the frustration.

THIS drives me crazy at Vons grocery, but I resign myself to it by eyeing all the candy choices while standing in line, testing my self control to NOT buy a pack of mega sized Reese's peanut butter cups.

Scott

 

[4WD]

The self checks were full yesterday - so went to manned checkout only to be reminded why I do self - 4 cold items in 3 bags mixed with whatever …

 

[Snagglefoot]

The owner of my local gas station / convenience store made a giant ice box from Styrofoam and plywood in the back of a minivan. I’ve spoken with him a couple of times when he fills a cart with cold items. He then loads it all in his ice box and takes it to his store. In Texas, this is called an aas box.