Tesco has sparked controversy with a new trial aimed at reducing shoplifting, introducing a system that weighs trolleys before checkout. The initiative, currently being tested at a store in Gateshead, has drawn comparisons to airport security and border controls, with some shoppers expressing anger and disappointment.
Under the system, customers using the Scan As You Shop (SAYS) service have their trolleys weighed to ensure the total matches scanned items. Any discrepancies trigger an alert, flagging potential missed or incorrectly scanned items. Tesco says the technology aims to reduce manual service checks and shorten queues.
Customers are randomly selected for a ‘service check’ before leaving, where an employee verifies all items have been scanned correctly. One shopper commented: “Sorry didn’t realise this was Tesco, thought it was border force,” while another added: “Do I need my passport.” Others questioned the system’s accuracy, with one stating: “I can’t even trust the self checkout to weigh a packet of paracetamol.”
A Tesco spokesperson told The Mirror: “We are constantly looking for ways to improve customers shopping experience... Our colleagues and the friendly service they provide are absolutely vital to our stores and they will always be on hand to help our customers.”
Tesco is not alone in trialling innovative checkout solutions. M&S is testing a ‘smart checkout’ that scans chips in price tags, while Primark requires customers to scan a receipt barcode to exit. The trend suggests a shift towards automated security measures in retail.
