Once upon a time, in a culture long gone, grocery shopping was easy. Cashiers might inquire if everything on your list was found, there was actually a “thank you” (saying “here you go” is not the same thing) and what (?) a bagger?
Then grocery stores introduced 10-items-or-less checkout which, certainly, lessened the time waiting in long lines in order to purchase just a few items. Then along came self-check-out, which again, was a boon for those with a small shopping list.
But now, there are some stores that rarely have a real person checkout option, so one is left to, even with a full cart, struggle to find each barcode to scan, which annoyingly is in a different spot on each and every package. So a trip to the grocery store takes double the time. I know, I know — staffing, but, there are always at least two people just watching/assisting all the unpaid employees (us) dealing with self checkout. The corporations have this all figured out. Saves money, fewer paid employees = no benefits = more profit . On the other hand, theft is up, service and community connection is nonexistent. Is it any wonder there is little store loyalty?
If the chain grocery stores continue with this strategy then it is only right for them to offer at least 10% off the total to those that are made to be unpaid employees. Imagine what a bold move that would be. and what store loyalty might return. Now that ad I would pay attention to.
In the meantime, as the song goes, “You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave.”
Lisa Cattabriga
Hinesburg
