The advance of technology helps facilitate our lives a great deal, but do we pay a high price when it comes to relying on the machines way more than we should?
In order to speed up the process of running errands and shopping for groceries, Walmart introduced self-checkouts. What they didn’t expect, however, is to face backlash because of this decision that many of the customers consider controversial.
The self-service machines aren’t something new. In fact, they were first introduced in the 1980s to lower labor expenses.
But this service faced plenty of obstacles and customers complain to the added responsibilities.
For example, certain items may have multiple barcodes, whereas the produce, including the meat, fruit, and vegetable, typically needs to be weighed and manually entered into the system using a code, which might be time consuming for the ordinary shoppers. Other times shoppers won’t hear the “beep” confirming an item has been scanned properly.
Another issue is the increase of theft. Walmart announced that thefts at its stores has reached an all-time high.
The machines not only fall short at their purpose of making shopping easier at times, but they also make it harder for the employees they were meant to help.
Christopher Andrews, a sociologist and author of The Overworked Consumer: Self-Checkouts, Supermarkets, and the Do-It-Yourself Economy, says the system “doesn’t work well for anyone.”
He continued: “Everyone feels like they have to have it. Companies are thinking: ‘If we can just get more people on this, maybe we can start reducing some overheads.’”
What’s most, most of the customers have reported that they miss the human interaction while shopping.
Randy Parraz from Making Change at Walmart perfectly summed up customer sentiments by saying, “You can’t convince customers to do the job of a cashier just because you don’t want to pay for the work.”
Walmart decided to listen to what their customers had to say and instead of further expanding automation, the retail giant will hire additional cashiers to provide their customers with a pleasant shopping experience and service.
What Walmart and the rest of the retailers, among which Costco and Wegmans, learned is that efficiency is important but maintaining a balance with positive experiences remains crucial.
Sad News: Iconic Actor Tamayo Perry Dies in Tragic Shark Attack
We are deeply saddened to report that beloved actor Tamayo Perry, 49, tragically passed away today in what appears to be a shark attack. Emergency Medical Services in Honolulu confirmed that Tamayo’s body was discovered on Sunday, bearing several bite marks.
Tamayo Perry was well-known for his remarkable talent and unforgettable performances. He captured the hearts of audiences around the world with his lead role in several highly acclaimed movies, including the iconic Disney film, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.”
Tamayo’s untimely demise is a devastating loss not only to the entertainment industry but also to his countless fans. His incredible talent, infectious charm, and captivating screen presence made him a true legend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and admired him.
The loss of Tamayo Perry serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and inherent dangers that can lurk beneath the surface of our natural world. While we grieve this tragic event, it is essential to remember the joy and inspiration that Tamayo brought to our lives through his extraordinary performances.
Let us honor Tamayo Perry’s memory by cherishing the legacy he has left behind, celebrating his incredible contributions to the film industry, and keeping his loved ones in our thoughts during this difficult time. May he rest in eternal peace.
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