YOUR SAY: I warned shops would open less check-outs!

SUPERMARKETS are trying to force shoppers through their “self-serve” areas by only opening a small number of staffed check-outs.

SELF-SERVE: Many customers prefer not to use the check-out machines in supermarkets. Picture: Inga Williams

I SEE we're getting a number of complaints in these columns about supermarkets trying to force shoppers through their "self-serve" areas by only opening a small number of staffed check-outs.

Anyone remember my Letter of the Day exactly a year ago?

I reported on an incident where supermarket staff wanted to show me how to check my own purchases using the newly installed customer operated check-out machines and that.

I thanked her but politely declined, offering the view that the more customers used the new "DIY" checkouts, then the more excuse head office would have for reducing the number of staff they would have to employ.

I wrote "In fact, if everyone used the "DIY" facility, only one checkout staff member would be required."

Told ya!

TONY LAKE, Meringandan West

Originally published as YOUR SAY: I warned shops would open less check-outs!