Is it just me, or does Woolworths expect customers to take on the roles of cashiers by scanning and packing their groceries? They’ve significantly reduced the number of employees to enforce this, and they even installed cameras to oversee customers, showing a clear lack of trust. It’s frustrating to see how they handle warehouse strikes by remaining passive, assuming their workers will eventually concede. Woolworths seems to be heading down a problematic path.
I’ve noticed similar trends not only at Woolworths but also at several other large retail chains. They seem to be pushing more self-service options to cut labor costs. Although this might be efficient for some customers, it can be inconvenient for others, especially during peak shopping hours when lines are long and more assistance is needed. The reduced staff engagement can lead to a lack of personalized service. Change is constant in retail, but fostering good customer relationships should still remain a priority.
I totally see where you’re coming from, DancingButterfly! It’s not just about the self-checkout lanes but also the overall shopping experience, right? Like, do you feel that the shopping experience—apart from the checkout process—has also declined? Maybe the availability of knowledgeable staff on the floor or the quality of store upkeep? I’m curious, how are smaller stores handling this transition compared to the giants like Woolworths? Do their approaches differ significantly, and could there be a balance where customer service doesn’t get neglected amidst automation? 