Coles checkout change stumps customer – here's what's going on
The shopper was shocked by yet another change at their Coles store as the supermarket rolls out more security measures.
Shoppers would be hard pressed to miss the new security measures being rolled out across Coles stores in recent months, and the process shows no sign of slowing with a shopper spotting a new change at the self-serve checkouts.
Over the weekend the shopper was scanning their groceries at the Mosman Park store in Perth when they found the bagging area did not appear to have the usual security scales, unlike others which usually weigh items to verify it was scanned in the system correctly.
The shopper claims the store was renovated last year and has since been quite "fancy" but they only recently noticed this change, suggesting items which "haven't [been] paid for" could have been put in customer's bags if it wasn't for the "next level" CCTV cameras above head.
"I’m not sure if the lack of scales at the checkout is going to become common with newly renovated stores," they wrote online.
Coles explains new 'skip scan' technology
The new technology has already been introduced to 305 stores across the country and relies on advanced technology in the overhead cameras to flag any "wrong scans", with the supermarket pointing to increased efficiency as well as improved anti-theft measures as the drivers for the change.
"In some stores new skip scan technology is being introduced which can detect if there are any accidental or intentional wrong scans," a Coles spokesperson said. "This technology removes the need for weighted intervention, and will make the checkout process quicker and easier for most customers."
This is the latest security measure update after an increased number of surveillance cameras, worker body cams and security gates at self checkouts were introduced.
"While most of our customers do the right thing, unfortunately a small number don’t... Coles has a range of security measures in place to reduce theft from our stores," the spokesperson continued.
It is believed Aldi self checkouts don't have scales in the bagging area, however the supermarket declined to comment when Yahoo News approached it about the issue last month, with it unclear if alternative anti-theft measures are in place similar to those undertaken by Coles.
Mixed response to more security measures at Coles
The majority of shoppers have pushed back against the increase in security measures but this change appears to be welcomed by some with the 'skip scan' technology promising a more efficient experience at the supermarket, yet others remain sceptical.
"I like it. I can shop without a single human interaction spoken, and it's quicker than self checkout," one shopper wrote while another disagreed, believing the process is only streamlined if you scan the items exactly as expected by Coles.
"I prefer the weight-based ones," a shopper wrote while another said, "it's a massive pain in the arse because it will flag everything".
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
