'Is there no other way?' Big W shoppers annoyed over new in-store feature

Many Aussies have accused the retailer of deploying a 'sneaky tactic' but there's actually a good reason for it.

Just as Big W shoppers were finally coming to terms with the new change to the kids' clothing section, in comes another change that Aussies are unhappy about. 

I noticed the change myself while shopping recently and needed to scan an item to check on the price. 

I couldn't find the scanners at the usual locations when I stumbled upon a sign instructing me to download the app to scan. 

"Is there no other way?" I thought. 

I can't say I was too annoyed, but it was definitely an extra effort I didn't care for. Still, I downloaded, scanned, and added the bargain item to my trolley. 

But not everyone has been as obliging as me. 

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Shoppers "hate" the new price scanner

An Aussie shopper was so annoyed at the removal of the in-store scanners, that they hit social media to share their thoughts. 

"'Tis the season to be annoyed since Big W took away the handy price scanners to force you to download their app just to check the price," the disgruntled shopper shared in the Old Shops Australia Facebook group, along with an image of the notice in store. 

The notice encourages shoppers to download the Big W app and "get social" on one of their many platforms on social media - including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. 

RELATED: Big W’s toy sale is back with a nostalgic return 

The new price scanner is only temporary according to the store. Image: Supplied

Plenty of shoppers in the private group were equally miffed. 

"I hate it bring back the scanners," one person vented. 

"Just another data harvesting service," another added, accusing the store of a 'sneaky tactic'. 

And another shared: "We keep hearing we need to use our phones less, and the next thing we need to download apps to use all the time. I just ask a staff member for help."

While plenty of others pointed out how this change would be difficult for the older generation who won't know how to download the app, others said the biggest problem with the change was that most stores have unreliable reception, meaning they're forced to take a punt at the checkout or put items back. 

"Would help if they had reception in their stores. All the stores I’ve been to in my area have no reception once you’re past the first few aisles in the shop. Maybe they should fix that issue first before making people download more apps," someone pointed out. 

And another agreed: "I’ve tried when the scanners are down but our local has no reception so it’s an absolute waste of time."

"I never get service when I'm in their stores," echoed another.

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Then there were those who were actually for the change. 

"Considering most of the time the in-store scanner didn’t work anyway I’ve had the app for ages and find it useful," someone insisted. 

"I love store apps and I'm in my 60’s they are so handy to have," another chimed in. 

RELATED: TikTok video reveals what ‘W’ in Big W stands for

Tis the season to be shopping. Image: Supplied

Big W weighs in

Sadly for those few actually in favour, the new scanning option isn't a permanent feature for the bargain retailer. 

When Kidspot reached out to Big W, the store confirmed that the in-store scanners are not being removed permanently but the self-serve app feature has been introduced to help customers while they're in the process of upgrading the system. 

"Our customers have been telling us they want price checkers in our stores, and in response to their feedback, we are in the process of upgrading and replacing them across our whole store network," a rep for Big W confirmed. 

"In the meantime, if a customer can't find a price verifier, they can use our BIG W app or ask one of our friendly team to help them."

Originally published as 'Is there no other way?' Big W shoppers annoyed over new in-store feature