New detail in Kmart change rooms amid cost of living crisis leaves Aussies 'freaked out'
The technology is being used all over the world, but some customers thought it was 'creepy' nonetheless.
Kmart shoppers have been left confused and even a little "freaked out" after a new hi-tech feature was spotted in the change rooms of one store this week. The new trial by the budget retailer is ostensibly aimed at clamping down on theft during the cost of living crisis, but it's drawn a mixed reaction from Aussies.
Sharing his curious discovery on social media, the shopper wondered what was going on after noticing a new digital sign displayed inside the change room at a Melbourne store, alerting him to the clothing items he'd taken in with him.
The photos were taken at a store in Westfield Southland in the city's south-east, with others online wondering if there were surveillance cameras, electronic scanners, or even some kind of X-ray technology.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a Kmart Australia spokesperson set the record straight, but not before shoppers weighed in with their thoughts.
"Do you have to scan them or does this happen automatically? I don't want anything scanning my ass in a change room," one person joked. "My paranoid ass would've freaked the f***k out," said another. While a third person labelled the the tech feature "impressive and creepy".
Opinion divided over new Kmart change room tech
Many thought the technology was a good idea, and would clearly deter theft. "Good. Pretty sick of paying big bucks because people think they’re entitled to a five finger discount," said one person.
However, despite the fact the technology is widely used in the retail industry, others tried to make the case it was an invasion of privacy, but others were quick to disagree. "In my opinion there is a lot of new tech out there that is clearly an invasion of privacy. This is not one of them," one person said.
Woman 'living out of car' reveals must have Kmart items for camping trips
Caravanning family's $25 Kmart solution to common camping problem
Kmart shopper's vital message after disturbing experience in store
One clued-on customer said the tech was "pretty common stuff around the world, they just have Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags on them, and when you enter the room those tags are scanned".
Speaking to Yahoo, a Kmart spokesperson confirmed that was indeed the case. RFID needs no camera to work as it's basically just an advanced barcode, they explained.
"Kmart Southland is currently participating in a new trial of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology in our fitting rooms, that scans our apparel products upon entry, and then displays these products to the customer," the spokesperson told Yahoo.
"There are no cameras or photographs utilised with this technology. RFID technology is used globally and not new to Kmart, as it is already used in other areas of our stores including with our Tory robot, which uses RFID technology to count our inventory daily and improve the shopping experience for our customers." Kmart introduced its Tory robot in certain stores a couple years ago to mostly bemused shoppers.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
