Self-checkout has become increasingly popular in recent years.according to grocery dive“The number of self-checkout lanes in the U.S. has increased by 10% over the past five years,” and self-checkout now accounts for approximately 40% of the checkout options available to customers.
However, not all consumers are happy with the switch. Part of the article titled, “No one likes self-checkout.” CNN Business author Nathaniel Myerson says that a recent study found that 67% [of respondents] It was reported that there was an issue in the self-checkout lane. ” In addition, self-checkout machines can lead to increased losses and may require additional staff to monitor the machines.
In recent months, some internet users have been calling on stores to use self-checkout systems. Some legal experts share their reasons for not using them. Others generally question their role. Now, another user shared his experience with self-checkout at ZARA and it became a hot topic.
In a video with over 797,000 views, TikTok user Amir (@amirrors_world) documents his experience at the popular fast fashion chain.
“If you want to buy clothes in Miami, you basically have to become an employee of the store to buy those clothes,” he explains.
He further explained that he bought some items at ZARA and took them to the self-checkout. I put them in the bin and the machine automatically detected all the items and gave me a list of everything I planned to buy.
“So I thought, cool, I can just pay with my credit card here in a simple process, I don’t need cash,” Amir says. “I’m like, basically I’m doing all the work that an employee is supposed to do. I have no problem with that. It’s all in the basket. I hit pay and I paid.”
However, at this point Amir was given other instructions from the screen. That means removing magnetic security tags.
“And I’m like, oh, I’m really working for you guys,” jokes Amir. “Am I at work now?”
After the employee struggles to remove the tag, he must show how the machine works. From there, you have to sort the security tags and bag the items.
“What’s wrong with all this work and the prices of clothes still going up?” he asks.
Initially, some commenters criticized Amir for his dissatisfaction with things like having to use self-checkout.
One user wrote, “It’s strange that people complain when they use machines, but when humans actually use them, they treat them like machines.”
“Oh no, daddy’s spoiled little slugger has to bag his own shopping items?! Very physical labor,” another added.
“People act like it’s a punishment to have to scan and bag their belongings. Self-checkout is so convenient and easy to use,” a third respondent shared. did.
@amirrors_world Supermarkets and retail businesses require fewer and fewer employees, but prices continue to rise. #richal #Miami #305 #Florida #zara #employee #brickell # City center ♬ Original song – Amir Mohammed🇪🇬
However, others were quick to defend Amir.
“Less wages means more profits. Then you’ll get more affordable clothes. Oh yeah???!!,” joked a user.
I said a little, “Jobs are going to get fewer and fewer. How long will it be until there are no jobs and the only people who have money are the people who develop this technology?”
I contacted Zara via email and Amir via Instagram DM.
*First published: December 23, 2023 at 2:00 PM CST
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Braden Bjella is a culture writer. His work has appeared in Mixmag, Electronic Beats, and Schon! magazines etc.
