KROGER shoppers have expressed concerns over the retailer’s new bottomless shopping carts.
Customers said the carts make it hard to check out bigger items like cases of water bottles or bulk items.
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“The new bottomless shopping carts at Kroger (Poplar and Cleveland) make it impossible for me to do all my shopping in one trip when I need heavy items like soda, water, and cat litter,” said one social media user.
“The only reason I’ve stuck with Kroger during its decline over the past two years has been its convenient location, but if I can’t do all my shopping in one trip, it’s no longer convenient.”
One shopper said they went to find Kroger‘s old shopping cart because it had the built-in panel underneath.
Consumers said they understood why the retailer switched to bottomless carts.
Kroger shoppers have noticed that customers sometimes forget to scan items that are placed underneath the shopping cart.
This comes after major retailers noticed a spike in organized crime and shoplifting.
To deter shoppers from stealing, many retailers like Kroger implemented anti-theft policies.
These measures include beefing up security, enforcing random receipt checks, and limiting self-checkout items.
While some shoppers sympathize with the retailer, others said the new anti-theft policies have ruined the in-person shopping experience.
One Kroger shopper was stopped for a receipt check after buying only a single candy bar.
Consumers also slammed the retailer for putting products behind plexiglass, forcing them to wait for employees to retrieve items for them.
While consumers understand that retailers need to put big-ticket items behind lock and key, some are frustrated that everyday products are now hard to get.
In some stores, like Target, shoppers say everyday essentials are being locked up.
Products like deodorant, baby formula, and even underwear are now locked away in some stores.
Anti-theft measures rolled out by retailers
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.
- Locking items in cabinets.
- Security pegs.
- Security cameras.
- Signs warning about the impact of theft.
- Receipt scanners.
- Receipt checks.
- Carts with locking technology
Shoppers said their experiences are so bad, they’re considering shopping elsewhere.
Despite concerns over shoplifting, Kroger’s CEO Rodney McMullen said the retailer is thriving.
“Kroger is off to a solid start in 2024 led by better-than-expected performance of our grocery business,” he stated in a press release.
“By delivering value for customers and investing in our associates, Kroger remains well-positioned to generate attractive and sustainable returns for our shareholders.”
According to the press release, total company sales were $45.3 billion in the first quarter compared to $45.2 billion for the same period last year.
Meanwhile, one Costco shopper was shocked at just how strict the retailer’s card membership policy was.
And Walmart customers are frustrated with the retailer’s strict new return policy.