Despite all the grumbles about Unexpected item in bagging area & other recorded messages, self-checkout is growing in popularity at the supermarket. Annoying, in one sense, because those of us who grew to rely on being able to make a fast getaway find that, increasingly, we have to join a queue rather than sail straight through.
The supermarkets are happy to meet the demand however. Asda have greatly increased the number of such checkouts, & have even provided some to suit those (who mostly seem to be shopping in pairs) who like self-checkout even for a fully laden trolley; they have a conveyor belt, rather than just space for a basket.
It remains to be seen whether this will lead to significant reductions in jobs – which would be sad, especially in these difficult days. But with renewed emphasis on customer service there may be other roles for paid staff to undertake.
