Supermarket Chains Reverse Course on Automation
- Morrisons pulls back on self-checkouts
- CEO admits going too far with the technology
- Reviewing balance between self-checkouts and manned tills
- Increased shoplifting due to self-checkouts
- Asda also investing in more manned tills
Morrisons CEO Rami Baitiéh admitted that the supermarket chain went too far with self-checkout implementation, leading to a review of the balance between self-service and manned tills. The decision follows an analysis revealing 20 stores needed fewer terminals. Asda also announced £30m investment in more staffed checkouts. Customers reported dissatisfaction and increased shoplifting due to self-checkout proliferation.
Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate and objective information about Morrisons reviewing its self-checkout policy and Asda investing in more manned tills. It also mentions the impact on shoplifting and customer satisfaction. However, it abruptly ends with unrelated information about Ted Baker’s store closures which is not relevant to the main topic.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Morrisons and Asda reviewing their self-checkout policies and making changes based on customer feedback, but it also includes unrelated information about Ted Baker’s store closures which may not be directly related to the main topic.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Morrisons and Asda supermarkets
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the impact of self-checkouts on supermarket operations and decisions made by Morrisons and Asda to adjust their use of this technology, which can affect their productivity and financial performance.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: No
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the text.
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