'Wouldn't go back to the store,' shoppers say after they are forced to go through extra receipt scan after self-checkout | 4R5BZT9 | 2024-05-12 05:08:01
SHOPPERS were left fuming after new self-checkout technology at a handful of stores came with an extra receipt scan.
A new pilot program aimed at combatting theft at Loblaw-owned stores in Ontario, Canada asks customers to scan their receipts before leaving the store.
A spokesperson for Loblaw told CTV that receipt scanners were installed at four locations in Windsor, Woodstock, Oakville, and Georgetown.
"Organized retail crime across the entire industry is a very serious issue, and has only gotten worse," the spokesperson said.
"It's having an impact on prices and safety. To protect customers and colleagues, we're always looking at different ways to stop this theft. This pilot is a part of these efforts."
They called the pilot a "small trial" that will determine whether or not the anti-theft devices will be effective.
At some retailers such as Costco, receipt checking is normal and even part of the membership agreement to shop at those locations.
However, Loblaw received harsh flack from customers after the company began checking receipts at some locations last summer.
Camron Dowlatshahi, a Los Angeles attorney, spoke to The U.S. Sun about receipt checks and customer's rights and options when it came to being asked to show your receipt.
</div> Several shoppers shared their thoughts on social media, posting pictures of signs that had appeared in stores.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, several tweets read: "I just called on CEO Loblaw to remove new receipt check scanners. Send your message."
"We are working hard to balance a need for enhanced security while at the same time preserving a welcoming and convenient customer experience," the Loblaw spokesperson told the outlet.
"We welcome our customers' input and as always, appreciate their understanding."
<!-- Start of Brightcove Player --> </div> <!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Companies around the world are testing out different measures to combat theft, according to retail analyst Bruce Winder.
"If you look at Walmart, they put greeters in place and one of the reasons is that really significantly reduced shoplifting by knowing someone is there," he said.
"So companies are trying different things right now to see what works and what preserves customer relationships."
However, Winder added that many customers aren't big fans of receipt checking.
"Consumer sentiment has not been positive," he said. "There has been a lot of folks taking to social media to sort of talk about how they are not really in favor of this."
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Loblaw for comment.
However, the retailer received flack for receipt checking last summer[/caption]
Several shoppers have banded together to express their displeasure[/caption]
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