Aldi Australia sparks controversy over massive checkout change: 'This puts me off'
A Melbourne shopper has spotted an electronic barrier gate installed at the self-serve checkout exit area of their local Aldi store.The customer took particular issue with Aldi's new security gates, which mark the latest step in the supermarket's increased security measures.The gates in question have also recently appeared at select stores from other major retailers - including Coles, Woolworths, and Kmart.However, the shopper claimed that the 'problem' with the Aldi gates was that they didn't work 'the same as the other supermarkets'.'You have to scan your docket's barcode to open the gates to leave,' the customer explained in a Reddit thread, adding that the scanning procedure was clunky and that 'you're kinda stuck' in the store until the gates open.Accordingly, the person said they'd been held up in line to leave, waiting behind several other people trying to scan their receipts. They concluded their post by saying they hoped this new security measure wouldn't 'last long'.Daily Mail understands that Aldi Australia is currently trialling security gates in a small number of stores nationally.In stores where the gates have been installed, shoppers are required to scan their valid receipt printed at self-checkout to exit the area. Store staff are also on hand to guide customers through the process. An Aldi shopper recently spotted that a security barrier gate had been installed at the self-checkout exit of their local store in northern Melbourne But unlike similar barrier gates at other major Aussie supermarkets, customers need to scan their valid receipt at a reader next to the gate in order for the exit doors to pop openAlthough the Melbourne Aldi shopper remained hopeful that the new gates were only a temporary measure, many replies to their Reddit post felt otherwise.Travellers who had recently visited Aldi stores overseas confirmed that these gates were standard at the supermarket chain's international outlets.'This system is widely used in Europe and has been for the past few years. It won't be going anywhere anytime soon,' one shopper claimed.'Had these in the European stores I visited a couple of months ago,' another confirmed. 'Doesn't seem to be going anywhere there, so it'll probably become a permanent fixture here too.'Many Aussies weren't surprised, suggesting that once Woolworths and Coles installed this style of security gate, it was only a matter of time before Aldi followed.'The major two supermarkets are all-in on these gates, Aldi sees a need for it here,' one shared.Another observed: 'It seems like a strange move to make the alternative (supermarket) even more annoying. I try to shop at Aldi on principle, but this puts me off.'However, one person played devil's advocate, saying it was simply a matter of getting used to the new Aldi store exit procedure.
Aldi is the latest major Aussie retailer to install this style of automatic exit barrier gate, following the lead of other stores like Coles Aldi is the latest major Aussie retailer to install this style of automatic exit barrier gate, following the lead of other stores like Kmart'Scan your receipt and open sesame. The teething issue is from people getting caught unawares and not knowing what to scan.'Still, many lamented that the installation of this style of security exit gate - not just at Aldi, but at all major Aussie retailers – was an absolute pain.One said they hated how they often had to do 'the ask of shame' to leave the store when the gates wouldn't open automatically.Others who liked to 'browse the specials' found it especially frustrating trying to leave when they'd only come in for a look – not to buy anything.'And then they just let everyone walk out the gates anyway,' another chimed in. 'Even when they have to open it for you, nobody checks anything. It's so stupid.'One person theorised about the recent rise in these security measures.'They don't want to staff the checkouts, so they put in self-checkouts. Thefts rocket, then they put in the gates to inconvenience everyone,' they speculated.Despite ongoing reports of shopper frustration with these gates at store exits, one person claimed it was unfortunately a necessary by-product due to rising retail theft.'Shoplifting is s*** tier loser behaviour,' one person declared. 'It creates an unpleasant work environment for employees who have to deal with it every day and it's the reason they implement all these extra security features that make the experience worse for everyone else.'
