Will no longer shop at Giant- annoying checkout machine

[Anonymous]

These changes are at all Giants. It’s super annoying that they wanted to reduce employees on the payroll, forced us to use self checkout because there would only be 1-2 cashiers, then after we’re all used to it, they implement a new rule of 20 items or less for self checkout. Did they go back to having 4-5 cashiers and a couple baggers, like they had before self checkout? No, they did not. And now, if you use self checkout, you have to place an item in the bagging area and wait for the scale to register the weight before you can move on to the next item if you don’t want the cash register to summon help.

I feel like a certain amount of theft was baked into the whole “customers can check out by themselves so we don’t have to pay cashiers” model, and it used to be a small enough amount that they still saved money using that method, but now they’re experimenting with a hybrid model that allows them to continue not to employ sufficient cashiers, but also make self checkout really onerous. It sucks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These changes are at all Giants. It’s super annoying that they wanted to reduce employees on the payroll, forced us to use self checkout because there would only be 1-2 cashiers, then after we’re all used to it, they implement a new rule of 20 items or less for self checkout. Did they go back to having 4-5 cashiers and a couple baggers, like they had before self checkout? No, they did not. And now, if you use self checkout, you have to place an item in the bagging area and wait for the scale to register the weight before you can move on to the next item if you don’t want the cash register to summon help.

I feel like a certain amount of theft was baked into the whole “customers can check out by themselves so we don’t have to pay cashiers” model, and it used to be a small enough amount that they still saved money using that method, but now they’re experimenting with a hybrid model that allows them to continue not to employ sufficient cashiers, but also make self checkout really onerous. It sucks.

This is the trend at stores beyond just grocery stores. The Mosaic Target regularly only has a handful of registers open while the self-checkout line wraps around the front. Same for CVS - they seemed to be an early adopter of self-checkout.

That said, I've used the Giant scanners for years now. It really helps, especially when you have weekly bills upwards of $300...

[Anonymous]

SAME op SAME, plus on top of everything else they are so overpriced and they ONLY sell produce that belonged in a dumpster a week ago!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A sign at our local Giant said that the system updates are due to recent increased thefts so I believe the changes are at all Giants.

+1 you can avoid these problems by using the scanner

Giant could avoid all these problems by staffing their checkout lanes with actual people.

The self-checkout was fine when it was more convenient for the customer - i.e. - you needed a gallon of milk and it was faster to scan and pay on your own. But now it's just a degradation of service versus a convenience for the customer and a way of depriving a person of a job by the corporation. I feel like starting a movement to boycott self-checkout.

[Anonymous]

Blame your political leaders. This was done due to a rise in theft at retailers, and the local governments not prosecuting the thieves.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same experience at Wegmans - I think they got some new technology to cut down on theft but its SUPER annoying. I don't even want to go into details but there's like 3 things that go wrong every time.... I know first world problem

I wrote out a complaint at a Wegman's where you have to weight your food from the hot food bar - they asked you the tare of your container - utterly ridiculous. That was it for me and Wegman's takeout.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you referring to Silver Spring/EW Highway? Or is this now a problem all Giants? I had the same immediate reaction. My workaround is to grab a self-scanner by the produce section and use that. I often have more than 20 items but no one has ever confronted me because the check-out with a self-scanner is so quick. Anyway, OP, just want to say I empathize.

OP again. I usually go to the McLean Giant so it sounds like this is happening at all DMV Giants.

Let us know if Lidl is any better.
McLean - the food desert ....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Blame your political leaders. This was done due to a rise in theft at retailers, and the local governments not prosecuting the thieves.

Bullcrap. Self-checkout is the choice of the retailer and is obviously more prone to theft. There is an easy solution - bring back checkers.

[Anonymous]

I have never used a self checkout at Giant or Safeway without having to call a helper. It’s not even worth the hassle.

I seem to have better luck at CVS.

[Anonymous]

I don't have any of these problems. Big fan of self check! Also if you have more than 20 items and are going thru self check (minus the scanner people) you are a jerk. It takes way longer than using the manned lane especially when you don't know what you are doing.

[Anonymous]

Just use their handheld scanner as you shop and go through the self checkout. It's super quick.

[Anonymous]

Agree. And the cashiers just watch you bag your groceries in the “full service” lines. Awkward and irritating. I order online and pick up instead. I’m sure it saves me money since I can’t impulse buy.

[Anonymous]

Oh well. For the most part, I’ve been fine with using self-checkout — Until Whole Foods replaced their Express Checkout cashiers with self-checkout machines that don’t accept cash. The last CVS I went to had no machines that accepted cash. So, yeah, I’m the one standing in line behind people with massive shopping carts clutching my salad greens and avocado.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are you referring to Silver Spring/EW Highway? Or is this now a problem all Giants? I had the same immediate reaction. My workaround is to grab a self-scanner by the produce section and use that. I often have more than 20 items but no one has ever confronted me because the check-out with a self-scanner is so quick. Anyway, OP, just want to say I empathize.

OP again. I usually go to the McLean Giant so it sounds like this is happening at all DMV Giants.

Same. I have stopped going there. The disgusting smell near the meat department and the annoying scanner were too much. Wegmans in Tysons now. Or Balducci’s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m done shopping at Giant Food. I’m fed up with their checkout process. The checkout lanes that have cashiers are too slow and long. The self-checkout lanes are now “20 items or less.” And the few regular self-checkout machines are so ridiculously annoying. The machine is constantly telling me to place the item in the checkout area when it’s already there! I’m done.

In Virginia and my Giant is fine.