HOME DEPOT has admitted the chain understands shoppers’ grievances when it comes to the self-checkout.
Self-service machines are a feature in supermarkets and warehouses nationwide, but not all customers enjoy using the machines.
A Home Depot shopper has shared their frustrations when it comes to self-checkouts (stock)[/caption]
One Home Depot shopper likened the experience to measures often seen at airports.
Carl Thomas claimed that using the machines at the hardware store was “like going through the TSA line,” according to an X post.
He also blasted the chain over how workers apparently communicated with shoppers.
Carl claimed that a lady yelled at him when giving directions.
And, it appears the ordeal has put him off using the self-service machines as he threatened to shop at a rival.
“Gonna be driving a little farther to Lowe’s now,” he said.
A Home Depot spokesperson responded to the post and sought to address the shopper’s grievances.
“I understand your frustration with the self-checkout,” they said.
“Thank you for sharing your experience. We will use this feedback as an internal coaching opportunity.”
The U.S. Sun has approached Home Depot for comment.
Carl isn’t the only shopper who has aired frustrations regarding the self-service machines.
Others have claimed that they feel like workers for having to check out their own items.
Responding to another customer, Home Depot said installing self-service machines was designed to streamline the shopping experience.
A shopper was left questioning the purpose of self-checkout machines after employees were reportedly scanning items.
Latest self-checkout changes
Retailers are evolving their self-checkout strategy in an effort to speed up checkout times and reduce theft.
Walmart shoppers were shocked when self-checkout lanes at various locations were made available only for Walmart+ members.
Other customers reported that self-checkout was closed during specific hours, and more cashiers were offered instead.
While shoppers feared that shoplifting fueled the updates, a Walmart spokesperson revealed that store managers are simply experimenting with ways to improve checkout performance.
One bizarre experiment included an RFID-powered self-checkout kiosk that would stop the fiercely contested receipt checks.
However, that test run has been phased out.
At Target, items are being limited at self-checkout.
Last fall, the brand surveyed new express self-checkout lanes across 200 stores with 10 items or less for more convenience.
As of March 2024, this policy has been expanded across 2,000 stores in the US.
Shoppers have also spotted their local Walmart stores restricting customers to 15 items or less to use self-checkout machines.
Home Depot is not the only chain that has come under fire over self-checkouts.
Lowe’s shoppers have threatened to boycott the retailer after the machines were rolled out in store.
One was so incandescent with fury that they threatened to pay more for an item at another store – just so they didn’t have to use the machines.
Target has also been criticized over measures the chain has rolled out, which were intended to boost self-checkout efficiency.
Stores across the US now limit shoppers to scan a maximum of 10 items.
But, some customers with larger carts have complained how this leads to longer waiting times in store.
Others have claimed they were forced to count the number of items in their cart to prove they were within the quota.
Shoppers have pointed out how some Walmart stores have introduced quotas on the number of items that can be scanned at self-checkout.
Customers have shared pictures on social media from inside Walmart stores that show signs saying “15 items or less.”
It has sparked fury, with some threatening to boycott the chain as a result.
But unlike Target, it doesn’t appear to be a policy that has been rolled out nationally.
