Shoppers have raised alarm bells over barriers in a major supermarket which are 'making everyone's life harder'. Sainsbury's began introducing receipt barriers at a number of stores late last year, with shoppers required to scan their proof of purchase on exit.
The move was criticised by many customers at the time, with threats by some shoppers to boycott the retailer. But the barriers have since been introduced in more shops across the country, including stores in Fallowfield and Salford.
A number of customers in Greater Manchester have slammed the move. In a thread on Reddit, one person wrote: "Not a fan of how this is spreading..."
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Another shopper said: "Pointless waste of money and time, just makes everyone’s life harder." Some questioned the impact the scheme would have on the environment, with the need for receipts to be printed.
One person wrote: "Almost every self-service checkout I’ve used for at least a year has let me opt-out of a receipt. Guess we’re not doing less-waste-paper anymore?"
Another added: "What happens if what you came for wasn’t in? Therefore had no receipt."
The move comes amid the cost of living crisis, with soaring prices on supermarket shelves. Earlier this month, the chief inspector of constabulary told the Mirror police should use 'discretion' when deciding whether to prosecute desperate shoplifters amid rising poverty levels.
A Sainsbury's spokesperson said the introduction of the barriers 'is one of a range of security measures in a small number of stores'.
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