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Article Woolworths Reveals New Smart Trolleys, But Some Customers Aren’t Happy

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Supermarket giant Woolworths has launched Australia’s first digital supermarket trolley, but the high-tech move has some customers furious.

Currently being trialled at Woolies Windsor in Sydney’s North-West, the Scan&Go Trolley lets you scan and bag items as you shop.

Woolworths Scan and Go Trolleys

There’s no need to unload the groceries and repack them, just simply pay and go.

Customers just unlock a tablet device by scanning their Everyday Rewards card, and attach it to their trolley.

The innovation is now set to be rolled out to an additional nine Sydney supermarkets in the coming weeks, including Kellyville, Oran Park, Kellyville Grove, Kellyville North, Lane Cove, The Ponds, Warringah Mall, Schofields Town Centre and North Parramatta.

Woolworths Scan and Go Trolleys

Woolworths claims Scan&Go trolleys will help customer stay within their budget and save time.

“Pending feedback from our customers, we hope to introduce Scan&Go Trolley in more of our supermarkets nationwide, along with some additional features in the coming months, including the ability to pay for their groceries on the device,” explained Woolworths Group’s Faye IIhan.

@woolworths_au Scan and Go trolleys are wheeling their way into a few stores for a trial. If you see them in your local, give them a try! #woolworths #woolies ♬ original sound – Woolworths_au

However, customers have been quick to vent their concern, saying the move makes customers employees.

“So now we are expected to: collect groceries yourself, process it thru self checkout, pack it all yourself, now scan it yourself. Why cant we be allowed to price items ourselves -its the only job customers don’t do,” one customer commented on an online forum.

Another added: “So, you have to get a rewards card, so they get more of your data, then they fire half their workers, because computers, and meanwhile prices of groceries keep rising?

“How about, instead of spending on stupid new systems, they put that cash into reducing the prices of the groceries that they sell and giving people jobs.”

Woolworths addressed some of the criticism in a TikTok video, saying, “This new way to shop won’t have any impact on the roles of our store team members. It just gives you another choice when deciding the best way to do your shopping.”

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Comments

  • Really? Half the time the wheels on trolleys don’t work and they think these computers will? Open to lots of costly damage. Fix your wheels first!!!

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  • I can’t say that I’m a fan of this. Hopefully it won’t come to my local Woolworths anytime soon.

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  • The whole idea doesn’t attract me

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  • I can see even more losses to Woolworths with this system as items in the trolley may or may not have been scanned when the customer exits the store. The staff have no way of knowing if everything you have in your trolley has been scanned before you leave.

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  • As someone that isn’t always a fan of social interaction, I think it’s a great idea. They they need to fix the bugs (guaranteed that there a bugs). I’m sure it won’t be rolled out to ALL Woolworths nationwide.

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  • I kind of like the idea- if you’re pushed for time, there’s the relief that it’s already done and ready to go instead of finding a busy checkout and still having to get through that hurdle as well.
    I must say though, I do understand why people are venting. I hate that I am forced to use self serve checkouts now. Most of the time, there’s no choice and it takes longer. I think they do need to focus on bringing prices down. Woolworths is often the most expensive supermarket around.
    And while we’re on the subject, my local store has the thing like Aldi has on their trolleys – so now I need to find $1 or $2 just to be able to use a trolley!

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  • There’s pros and cons to this idea.
    Yes it will quicker if everything runs smoothly but if you have an issue will there be an assistant in the aisle waiting to help you, or do you have to go to service desk each time there’s an issue?
    Also so many job losses will be the result of installing these gadgets. Self serve checkouts have already proven this.

    • Yes, I totally agree with your comment. Things go wrong now at the self-serve checkout and it can be time consuming.

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  • Love this idea as I hate the checkouts but who’s to say people won’t just steal what they want. Who is policing the bags, especially with electronic receipts. They spent so much on self check out scales and security and now they’re just letting people steal with this smart
    Trolley lol clowns

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  • All I can say is “What next Woolworths”.

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  • I’m not really a Woolies shopper but it’s not how I want to shop.

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  • I don’t mind the self-serve checkouts, but I’m not sure about this new way of shopping.

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  • Maybe if I was only buying half a dozen things. Not sure I’d like it for big shops.

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  • Just another way for them to stick there finger in your ?

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  • The only negative I see is the jobs that will be lost. That will impact a lot of Aussie families

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  • Another way for us to do their work for free while prices keep rising.

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  • Customers will need training when things go wrong. It is a sad world that we are becoming. Trips to the supermarket/shops are a social outing for many older people. They’ll soon have no one to talk to.

    • I agree; being lonely can be a big problem for many older people and taking away opportunities for social interaction is extremely sad.

      • I agree, social interaction is very important when going out shopping !

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  • I’m not convinst I would like this.

    • It would be sad if staff members would be replaced by systems like this whilst there is such a need for jobs.

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  • Absolutely no interest in this concept and will stay with traditional ways of purchasing groceries.

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  • Looks awesome! Something i would definitely use

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  • What if you change your mind about something after putting it in your trolley?

    • Yes I was wondering this too

    Reply
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