An Arkansas Walmart store has decided to get rid of its human cashiers and make customers use self-checkout lanes only. The Fayetteville store believes there’s no need for cashiers in checkout lines and that moving forward, anyone wanting to purchase something from the store can scan, bag, and pay for the item all on their own. The move is thought to be a test for the company, and if successful it may be brought to other stores, WFMY reports.
- Walmart is still employing staff to help any customers that need it. While there will no longer be cashiers at the store, there will be self-checkout hosts stationed by the registers to ensure anyone who needs help gets it (and likely to try and prevent theft, one would imagine).
- You can actually get them to check your stuff out for you. Apparently the self-checkout hosts will also do the same job as a cashier would if you ask them to. That means scanning and bagging your groceries for you. Wait, why did they get rid of cashiers again?
- It seems machines really are replacing humans. I’m a big fan of going with technology and enjoying all the ways it makes life easier, but some processes just shouldn’t be automated. There should definitely be self-checkout options, but it’s also important to have humans around and have that interaction.
- How long will it be before the cashiers are hired back? Something tells me many of the customers won’t be too happy with this change and it won’t be long before the staff are brought back.
