Tesco has confirmed that self-service checkouts are to be put in place at its Bradley Stoke Extra store, but has said the new automated system will not be replacing its staff. The bagging area in the new trolley accessible self-service checkout will be three times as long as those in standard self-service checkouts, allowing for up to six bags to be packed at once.
The chain says the change comes at a time when it rarely requires all of its attended checkouts (those manned by Tesco staff) to be open at any one time, due to lack of customer demand. And, the retail giant says that the new checkouts will mean that customers will have even more options to choose from.
A shopper reached out to Bristol Live raising concerns about the potential impact on staff and customers. However, a Tesco spokesperson said: "We are proud to offer customers choice when it comes to checkouts, and after successful trials we are introducing new trolley accessible self-service checkouts at our Bradley Stoke Extra store, which have more room and are easier to use for larger shops.
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Our colleagues and the friendly service they provide are absolutely vital to our stores – they will always be on hand to help our customers, and will continue to operate attended checkouts so that customers can choose the option they prefer.”
The Bradley Stoke Extra store is already equipped with a petrol filling station, bureau de change, pharmacy, Click+Collect, Scan as you shop, a bakery and YO! Sushi counter, among others. Share your thoughts about the new changes to this local branch in the comments below.
It is not the only store affected - last month Tesco confirmed the change is planned for "some" of its stores. The announcement prompted a Change.org petition that amassed more than 230,000 signatures, calling for Tesco to "stop the replacement of people by machines".
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