Many South Africans are sharing their concerns that the Checkers smart trolley invention will not only lead to job loss but also a rise in theft.
This week, the retailer shared a look at its invention, the Xpress Trolley, which allows customers to scan as they shop and check out directly from their cart.
CHECKERS SMART TROLLEY
This week, the Shoprite Group shared a look at the new Checkers smart trolley – the Xpress Trolley – a quick and easy shopping experience that eliminates long queues and traditional till points.
The trollies – which will be introduced in stores at Checkers Constantia and Brackenfell – comes equipped with smart screens that scan items, show personalised promotions, and have a running total that allows shoppers to keep tabs on their spending.
Shoppers can also pay directly from Checkers smart trolley.
Shoprite Group’s Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Neil Schreuder, said in a statement: “The Xpress Trolley enhances convenience, improves speed, and keeps customers in control from the moment they enter the store to the moment they leave.
“Smart trolleys aren’t about the novelty of screens on trolleys – they’re about giving shoppers real-time control, creating a compelling shopping experience”.
JOB LOSS, THEFT?’
While many South Africans are embracing the savvy shopping experience – practised in the UK and US – others are concerned about its potential repercussions for the country.
Some social media users are worried that Checkers smart trolleys will lead to job losses for cashiers.
@somuhleomuhle: “We have the highest unemployment rate. We can’t afford to go humanless.”
@Jenna_original2: “Paul Mashatile gave a speech about unemployment…Eventually there will no longer be cashiers”
Others predicted that shoplifting could become easier with a self-checkout trolley.
@ntonio42069: “Self-scanning is already a problem in so-called developed countries. It’s gonna for sure be a massive problem in developing countries.”
@jmood61298: “Checkers are going to be robbed blind.”
SELF-CHECKOUT ISSUES ABROAD
Meanwhile, recent reports reveal that a growing number of consumers in the US and UK are deciding to stick to traditional shopping experiences.
According to MailOnline, shoppers at Asda have ditched the digital trolleys to stand in long queues instead.
One shopper said: “’I absolutely refuse to use self checkout. Rather wait half an hour than use them. I said that’s someone’s job right there, greedy supermarkets, everyone should refuse, then they would have to pay staff to man tills. It’s not for the customer’s benefit”.
USA Today reported that many retailers are also scaling back on self-checkout due to an increase in theft and errors.
DO YOU THINK THE CHECKERS SMART TROLLEY WILL BE A SUCCESS OR FAIL IN SA?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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