Kmart trials controversial checkout feature Woolies, Coles criticised for

The budget retailer installed hi-tech security cameras in some stores despite Woolies and Coles copping backlash for adding it to supermarkets.

Kmart has confirmed it is trialling a new security measure at its self-service checkouts, claiming the controversial move is to “keep prices low”.

The budget retailer has installed new technology that uses camera vision and AI to detect when items are not scanned correctly in a select number of stores across the country.

In practice, the hi-tech device not only monitors what is being scanned, but also records exactly what is being placed into the shopper’s bag.

If the size, shape and colour doesn’t match data installed on the computer, it will pause the transaction and allow the customer to correct the purchase before a Kmart staff member is notified.

Kmart is trialling security cameras with hi-tech AI in a bid to stop rising theft numbers. Picture: Supplied

“In the current cost-of-living crisis, we are proud to be able to continue to offer the same low (or even lower) prices to customers,” a Kmart spokesman told news.com.au.

“The reason we are exploring technology options like this, as many others in the industry have already done, is because they have been shown to be effective in managing what is becoming a larger issue in Australia and help us continue to keep prices low for the vast majority of our customers who are doing the right thing.

“The technology that is being trialled here is that which other large retailers and supermarkets use and detects items that have been incorrectly scanned so the customer can double-check they’ve scanned all their items.”

The measure has already been introduced by Woolworths and Coles at self-service tills. Picture: Supplied

Kmart didn’t specify what the “larger issue” was, but it is believed to be the rising shoplifting numbers, which experts estimate is costing the Australian retail industry a whopping $9bn annually.

“For the vast majority of our customers, there will be no impact on their shopping experience,” the spokesman continued.

“Customers can opt-out by having a team member assist them in their checkout, and there is signage in store explaining the purpose of the trial.”

Similar AI and camera technology was introduced at Woolworths stores across Australia in 2022, and was met with widespread criticism.

The tech was designed to make it difficult for thieves to enter in a cheaper product, or completely avoid scanning and paying for an item, while using the self-service checkout system.

Shortly after, Coles also introduced the cameras on its self-serve tills.

But it’s highly divisive, with Aussies stating it makes them ‘feel like criminals’. Picture: ACA

However the move, along with a raft of other security enhancements including cameras on the shelves and overhead shoppers tracking their every move, have left Aussies feeling like a grocery trip is now a major violation of their privacy.

Shoppers have also likened the tracking technology to being “treated like a criminal”.

Kmart shoppers haven’t yet responded to the recent addition to checkouts, but previously the retailer has copped heat for other measures it has introduced, including checking receipts of those who have used the self-service tills as customers leave stores.

The “receipt scanning procedure” left many infuriated, with some arguing the retail giant needed to “trust people” if it’s going to place its self-service cash registers in the middle of its stores.