‘Disappointing’: Shopper slams Aldi for ‘ageist’ self-checkout feature

A woman has shared her “disappointment” after her local Aldi supermarket introduced an “ageist” new feature.

A “disappointed” woman has sparked controversy after sharing her “ageist” experience at Aldi.

The shopper took to Facebook to share her gripe with the self check-outs that were installed at her local Aldi supermarket.

The woman, who is in her 70s, said while she was happy to use the self check-outs, she often came prepared with cash only, no card. She was left “very disappointed” after she went to use one and was met with a “card only” sign.

The woman slammed the move as “ageist”, sparking a debate online over whether she was right or simply needed to move with the times.

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The woman said she was "disappointed" by the feature. Picture: Facebook

“I love Aldi but today I was very disappointed,” she wrote on a Facebook group.

“Our local has just installed self check-outs, which I am happy to use.

“I went prepared but – only card – no cash. Come on Aldi that is ageism!

“I am 70+ and I use cash, so do most of my generation. It is not often I am disappointed by Aldi.”

The comment section was divided, with some agreeing that it was “ageist”.

“They are discriminating against older generations,” one wrote.

“We need to think of our senior citizens who haven’t and won’t catch up to this nonsense.”

“They’re stepping forward to a cashless society, won’t get my business,” another said.

“This is incredibly disappointing to hear.”

“I refuse to use self check-outs” one person added.

“People need those jobs, its hard enough as it is.”

While many felt this way, there were others who did not agree with the poster’s claim about it being “ageist”.

Not everyone agreed with the woman's sentiments. Picture: Facebook

The introduction of self check-outs in supermarkets has been met with varying opinions. Picture: Supplied

“This has nothing to do with ageism/discrimination,” a Facebook user stated.

“Please don’t go throwing those sorts of accusations around lightly, because it diminishes the real issues that face people who suffer actual discrimination.

“The debit card has been around since the early 80s. A person’s inability to use a debit card is not due to lack of accessibility, it’s a choice.”

Another wrote: “It’s not ageism, it’s simply the progression of technology as most people pay by card now.”

“But if it’s a problem for you, I’m sure there will always be a normal checkout available to go through.”

One member of the group said: “I’m 70 and I use card for everything, I never carry cash.”

“Eventually cash won’t even be a thing.”

An Aldi spokesperson said that the self-serve checkouts were a convient option, but added that regular checkouts are always available if a customer is paying in cash.

“Self-serve checkouts are a quick and convenient way for customers to shop, and all ALDI self-serve checkouts are card only to maximise efficiencies,” they said.

“If a customer prefers to use cash, our regular checkouts are always available.”

Originally published as ‘Disappointing’: Shopper slams Aldi for ‘ageist’ self-checkout feature