Woolies responds to customer’s camera concern

A sign alerting customers to additional cameras at a popular supermarket has sparked concern among shoppers — but it isn’t what it appears.

A sign alerting customers to cameras at a popular supermarket has sparked concern among customers — but it isn’t what it appears.

Woolworths has run a trial in just 15 stores since June 2023 where cameras sit on the shelves, and take images of the shelves every hour.

This is to help staff monitor stock, as currently employees need to do this manually. However, a notice at a Kellyville store has sparked concern from customers that it was yet another security measure.

“Customer notice: We’re trialling new camera technology in this store to improve product availability,” the sign read.

“Any customer imagery captured will be silhouetted out.”

Woolies has responded over concerns over a camera trial. Picture: Reddit

The sign was put in place to confirm cameras, which are snapping pictures of the opposite shelf, may accidentally take images of shoppers in the aisle. But, any images of people will be blacked out.

A photo of the sign was shared to Reddit, and it sparked divide among customers who assumed it was a new security measure.

“More surveillance at Woolies,” one asked.

One, wanting to avoid the cameras, asked: “Can’t they monitor stock by how much they sell via the checkout registers?”

“Gotta protect the popcorn,” another said.

Someone else added: “These cameras have nothing to do with customers. Their only purpose is at tracking stock levels and alerting staff when something needs to be filled. Hence why they are directed at the shelves.”

The camera at the supermarket. Picture: Reddit

“All customers are thieves, apparently,” one commented.

Another chimed in: “Technically product stock surveillance, so they know when to restock. The era of AI is upon us.”

But, the supermarket has responded to concerns from customers.

“We’ve been trialling the use of on shelf cameras to help improve product availability in less than 15 supermarkets since June 2023,” a spokesperson from Woolworths told news.com.au.

“The cameras, which alert our team members when shelves or products need to be restocked, means more of what our customers want is more readily available.

“We’ll continue assessing the benefits of this technology as we proceed with the trial.”

It’s not the first time that customers have raised concerns about this particular piece of technology, with a shopper named Kaz taking to social media in September 2023.

“Woolworths stepping up their antitheft game,” she captioned the video.

“(The store) now has little cameras everywhere to prevent five finger discounts!”

Originally published as Woolies responds to customer’s camera concern