o.supreme wrote:Also this specific store must be running some sort of pilot program. It is probably the 3rd biggest store in my area, but is in an area where a lot of theft occurs. They have more items on lockdown than any other. Every couple minutes you hear someone over the intercom asking for an item to be unlocked. Even high-priced men's underwear is under lockup (no joke!). They have virtually eliminated manned checkstands, and everything is self checkout. But everyone is herded into one big line (kind of like what Fry's used to do), then you are signaled to a specific self-checkout. They have redesigned the store so basically you can't get out without going through this area. So needless to say, anyone just browsing, and not purchasing anything (often I walk out without making any purchases), is given suspicious looks by numerous employees as you navigate a gauntlet of obstacles just to get out.
This was also the store that a couple years back actually bent all the Vintage Optimus Prime packaging in order to physically attach anti-theft devices to the shelving.
That pilot program is real, people. My father-in-law works at a Walmart in the DFW area in Texas and he has heard stories from his colleagues about eliminating cashiers and going self-checkout only. Thing is, we do our weekly groceries there and we're not exactly thrilled about processing a full cart's worth of food ourselves.
As for anti-theft, a couple Walmarts have those gates at either entrance, that sound the alarm if you try to leave through them. The same kind as the ones at Dutch Supermarkets
Notable in my area: Netflix series is completely gone, SS86 Blurr is abundant... Anything else?