UK Grocery Giant Ditches Self-Checkouts, NZ Supermarkets Follow Suit?

UK grocery giant Booths has decided to remove self-checkouts from its stores, citing slow operation, unreliability, and a lack of personal interaction with customers as the primary reasons for the switch. The decision was met with surprise by New Zealand supermarket companies, as the customer feedback in the country has been positive regarding self-checkouts. Woolworths New Zealand stated that they have no plans to follow suit with Booths and will continue to offer self-checkout options, as they believe their customers find it convenient. Similarly, Foodstuffs, another supermarket chain in New Zealand, mentioned that self-service checkouts are popular with customers who desire a quick and efficient shopping experience. Despite some support for staffed checkouts to provide a more personal touch and minimize wait times during busy periods, many customers still enjoy the convenience and speed offered by self-checkouts. Both options are currently available in supermarkets, providing choices for different preferences. While Booths’ decision may not be replicated in New Zealand, it has sparked discussions among Kiwi shoppers regarding the advantages and disadvantages of self-checkout services. Overall, the presence of both self-checkouts and staffed tills in New Zealand supermarkets seems to be the favored approach to cater to different customer needs.