Kroger self-checkout (how to use it, is the cashier removed + other FAQs)
Kroger is the largest supermarket chain in the United States, with more than 2,800 stores in 35 states; as such, it serves many households across the country.
To make the shopping experience easier for customers, Kroger has added innovative features and services, such as self-checkout. But how exactly does this work? This is what I found!
Kroger has introduced self-checkout lanes in its stores to save customers time as well as paying and packing items. In addition to the aisles, the retailer has expanded options to include stores that only offer self-checkout aisles. However, Kroger will still have cashiers and concierges assisting customers in 2022.
Read on to learn more about Kroger’s checkout process, how to use the service, whether that means cashiers are removed, and other facts!
How does Kroger self-checkout work?
When you shop at Kroger, you can shop online or in-store.
If you visit a store, you may find a self-checkout register that lets you scan your purchases without relying on a store cashier.
You need to scan the barcode of each item and the machine will read the price. For items like produce, you’ll need to place them on the scale for the scanner to pick the weight.
After scanning all items, the total cost will be displayed for you to pay.
Choose your payment method, whether it’s a credit card, debit card, or Kroger gift card, and complete the transaction.
Fortunately, you can handle the entire process without involving the cashier, unless you’re having issues when the scanner isn’t working.
Additionally, if your purchase includes items such as alcohol products, tobacco, or drugs, self-checkout staff must check your ID before you complete the transaction.
How do you use self-service scanners at Kroger?
Kroger enables customers to use self-service scanners and continue to pay at self-checkout areas.
When shopping, you can use Kroger’s Scan, Bag, Go feature, which uses a wireless scanner or app.
When using a handheld scanner, pick up the device at the front of the store, swipe your card, or enter your card number on the scanner.
Pick up the scanner on the product barcode and scan it to get the actual price when you shop.
On the other hand, you can use the Scan, Bag, Go mobile app, which allows you to scan barcodes individually. When you shop, the app will keep your item total.
To pay, you can use your mobile phone, debit or credit card and process the payment at the self-checkout area.
Is Kroger launching self-checkout-only stores?
Kroger is finding new ways to expand its checkout options by testing stores that only offer self-checkout lanes.
In 2021, the first fully self-checkout store will launch in Dallas.
Retailers are still hiring cashiers and concierge staff to assist employees should they need any assistance, as the company continues its pilot test.
This will make it easier to serve more customers in a short period of time.
Do all Kroger stores offer self-checkout?
Kroger has introduced self-checkout at some of its stores, especially since the company offers its customers the Scan, Bag, Go app.
Additionally, the retail giant announced that it will launch new, larger self-checkout lanes in Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati and Dayton in 2022.
In these new stations, customers will scan their items, which will then be moved on a conveyor belt to a bagging station, where a concierge will pack the items.
Why is Kroger introducing more self-checkout?
In recent years, Kroger has increased the number of self-checkout stores for a variety of reasons. Let’s look at these in more detail:
Checkout faster
With all of Kroger’s checkouts open, customers can spend less time checking out.
With more checkout lanes, customers can leave the store faster than when there are cashiers or clerks.
This reduces queues and improves the shopping experience in the long run.
labor shortage
Like most retailers, Kroger has suffered labor shortages as employees quit.
According to Forbes, about 6.3 million retail workers quit their jobs in the first 10 months of 2021.
To address labor shortages and finding the right talent, Kroger has been testing new self-checkout points to make service more accessible to customers.
save money
Kroger is also introducing more self-checkout lanes to save money. Retailers don’t have to spend a lot of time training cashiers if customers can check their items.
Has the cashier been removed from Kroger?
While retailers are introducing more self-checkout lanes, Kroger isn’t eliminating cashiers.
The company is still hiring cashiers and concierges to assist customers when problems arise in the checkout area.
With the new system, Kroger store associates will assist customers at the bagging station.
Cashiers are also important, especially when customers need to confirm any information about products, prices, or recent offers.
Can you use Kroger self-checkout for all products?
When shopping at any Kroger store, you can use self-checkout for everything.
You just need to know some extra steps for items that need to be weighed first to reflect cost, such as produce.
Additionally, for legally restricted items such as alcohol and tobacco products, you will need to show your ID to a Kroger employee as proof at the self-checkout registration.
To learn more, you can also read our post about Kroger vs. Publix, how Kroger digital coupons work, and whether Kroger accepts EBT.
in conclusion
Kroger has introduced self-checkout lanes in its stores to save customers time as well as paying and packing items. In addition to the aisles, the retailer has expanded options to include stores that only offer self-checkout aisles.
However, Kroger still has cashiers and concierges to assist customers in the store. In the latest development, customers will scan their own products, which will then be packaged by a concierge.
