Canadian Tire Eliminates Self-Checkouts at One Location, Following Walmart's Lead for Improved Store Flow

Canadian Tire has removed all self-checkout stations from one of its stores, following a similar move by Walmart. This change is part of an effort to improve the shopping experience for customers.

North Bay Canadian Tire Ends Self-Checkouts

In North Bay, Ontario, the Canadian Tire store has decided to remove all self-checkout stations, which owner Dwayne Ouelette and general manager Derek Shogren believe will improve customer service.

Ouelette, who removed the machines in July 2023, expressed discomfort with the automated systems, both for himself and for his customers. "I'd rather my customers see my cashiers, and if there are any questions or concerns, at least there's somebody they can talk to," he said.

The store has been using these four machines for the past ten years. Shogren pointed out that shoplifting issues also contributed to their decision to scrap the self-checkouts.

He noted the main goal was to introduce a new checkout process designed to streamline customer service by having shoppers line up for the next available cashier, which would not work well with self-checkouts in place.

Shogren added, "The flow is a lot better now. Canadian Tires carry so many big products, like snowblowers, gazebos, and generators, that don't really lend themselves to self-checkouts."

Following this model, another Canadian Tire in Mississauga, Ontario, also removed their self-checkouts in 2023, with their general manager citing similar reasons involving retail theft and customer preferences.

Also Read: Walmart Streamlines Operations, Announces Closure of Another Store, Affecting Local Job Market

Walmart to Remove Self-Checkouts at Stores

Walmart has announced plans to remove self-checkout stations from several stores to enhance the shopping experience. This decision follows numerous complaints about long lines and excessive wait times.

A Walmart spokesperson stated, "We believe the change will improve the in-store shopping experience and give our associates the chance to provide more personalized and efficient service."

The decision to remove the self-checkouts was influenced by various factors, including feedback from both employees and customers, observed shopping patterns, and the specific business needs of the areas affected.

The company hopes this move will streamline customer service and provide a more enjoyable shopping environment.

According to The U.S. Sun, retail stores are modifying their self-checkout systems to reduce wait times and combat theft. Walmart has recently surprised its customers by reserving self-checkout lanes exclusively for Walmart+ members at various locations.

Additionally, some Walmart stores have restricted self-checkout use during certain hours, opting to increase the number of available cashiers instead.

While some customers speculated that these changes were due to concerns over shoplifting, a Walmart spokesperson clarified that these adjustments are part of an ongoing experiment by store managers to enhance checkout efficiency.

One notable trial involved an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk designed to eliminate the need for receipt checks at the exit, although this initiative has since been discontinued.

Meanwhile, Target has implemented its changes by limiting the number of items allowed at self-checkout lanes. To streamline the process, Target tested express self-checkout lanes that restrict purchases to 10 items or fewer in 200 stores last fall.

Following the pilot's success, this policy was extended to 2,000 stores across the United States as of March 2024.

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