Description: The self-checkout may be in a bit of trouble as some retailers are reconsidering the future of this mode. Increased losses due to shoplifting is certainly a factor for retailers to consider. Adrian Beck of the University of Leicester has studied self-checkouts for over ten years, and he notes they may account for one quarter of shoplifting per grocers’ estimates. While some Canadian Walmarts still have self-checkout, in 2018 the U.S. side of the retail giant cited “unacceptable losses” and pulled its ‘scan-and-go’ checkout.

Date:  November 24, 2023

Source:  ctvnews.ca

 Link: https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/big-box-retailers-are-rethinking-their-self-checkout-strategies-here-s-why-1.6659795

Discussion points:

1) Are you a regular user of self-checkout?

2) Some consumers like the convenience of self-checkout. Those of a different viewpoint say they miss the human interaction with a cashier, and, still others feel they are being forced to take-on unpaid work, so to speak. What do students in your classroom think?

3) Page 1-16 of Wiley’s Managerial Accounting: Tools for Business Decision-Making discusses Walmart’s relationship with its suppliers. What tool does Walmart use to evaluate its suppliers’ performance?