Walmart alters course: Drops self-checkout expansion amidst customer concerns

The advance of technology helps facilitate our lives a great deal, but do we pay a high price when it comes to relying on the machines way more than we should?

In order to speed up the process of running errands and shopping for groceries, Walmart introduced self-checkouts. What they didn’t expect, however, is to face backlash because of this decision that many of the customers consider controversial.

The self-service machines aren’t something new. In fact, they were first introduced in the 1980s to lower labor expenses.

But this service faced plenty of obstacles and customers complain to the added responsibilities.

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For example, certain items may have multiple barcodes, whereas the produce, including the meat, fruit, and vegetable, typically needs to be weighed and manually entered into the system using a code, which might be time consuming for the ordinary shoppers. Other times shoppers won’t hear the “beep” confirming an item has been scanned properly.

Another issue is the increase of theft. Walmart announced that thefts at its stores has reached an all-time high.

The machines not only fall short at their purpose of making shopping easier at times, but they also make it harder for the employees they were meant to help.

Christopher Andrews, a sociologist and author of The Overworked Consumer: Self-Checkouts, Supermarkets, and the Do-It-Yourself Economy, says the system “doesn’t work well for anyone.”

He continued: “Everyone feels like they have to have it. Companies are thinking: ‘If we can just get more people on this, maybe we can start reducing some overheads.’”

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What’s most, most of the customers have reported that they miss the human interaction while shopping.

Randy Parraz from Making Change at Walmart perfectly summed up customer sentiments by saying, “You can’t convince customers to do the job of a cashier just because you don’t want to pay for the work.”

Walmart decided to listen to what their customers had to say and instead of further expanding automation, the retail giant will hire additional cashiers to provide their customers with a pleasant shopping experience and service.

What Walmart and the rest of the retailers, among which Costco and Wegmans, learned is that efficiency is important but maintaining a balance with positive experiences remains crucial.

Michael Landon’s Legacy Lives On

Even though Michael Landon, the adored actor best remembered for his parts in TV shows like Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie, and Highway to Heaven, passed away more than 30 years ago, his influence can still be seen today. In addition to his superb performances, he left a long-lasting legacy as a loving father and husband. Even though he had experienced hardship in his own life, he was committed to forging enduring relationships with his kids.

A Father’s Willpower

It’s possible that Landon’s difficult upbringing inspired his dedication to become a fantastic parent. He demonstrated extraordinary fortitude and resiliency by saving his mother’s life on several occasions when she attempted suicide. His mother battled mental illness. After a college sports injury prompted him to reevaluate his intentions, Landon continued to pursue his passion for acting while suffering personal challenges. After relocating to Los Angeles, he started a prosperous career in show business and gained notoriety by appearing on TV Guide’s cover an astounding 22 times—a record he shares with Lucille Ball.

Michael Landon with his family

A Man of the Family

Nine children were born to Landon during his three marriages. Mark and John are the names of the two kids he adopted with his first wife, Dodie Levy-Fraser. Leslie, Michael Jr., Christopher, and Shawna were the four children he had with his second wife, Lynn Noe. Additionally, he took in Lynn’s daughter Cheryl from a prior marriage. Despite the controversy surrounding their age gap, Landon married Cindy Clerico when his second marriage ended. Landon, however, angrily denied any adultery, asserting that there are more sinister reasons why partnerships fail than just a simple attraction to a younger person.

Michael Landon on the cover of TV Guide

Despite the difficulties of managing a big family, Landon loved being a father and took a keen interest in his kids’ lives. Jennifer, his daughter, revealed that he was an inquisitive and devoted parent who cherished instructing his children. Tragically, Landon lost his life in 1991 at the age of 54 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Every one of his kids came together in his last days, showing him love and support all the way to the end.

Continuing the Tradition

Christopher Landon, one of Landon’s sons, became a director by following in his father’s footsteps. He frequently shares memories and shows his love for his late father on social media. But Christopher’s life hasn’t always been simple. He made his kidney cancer diagnosis public on social media in 2021. Fortunately, the cancer was discovered early, and the damaged kidney sections were successfully removed during emergency surgery. Christopher exhorts everyone to put their health first and schedule routine examinations.

Michael Landon with his children

Seeing Michael Landon’s family carry on his legacy is touching. His legacy as an actor, spouse, and parent continues to inspire us and serve as a reminder of the value of love, family, and maintaining good health.

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