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Loblaw tests receipt scanning at self-checkout

Scanners are located at four stores. So far, shoppers are not a fan

Bill Wilson, Senior editor at Supermarket News

March 15, 2024

1 Min Read
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Last year, the Canadian grocer used workers to check receipts in several stores.Loblaw Cos.

Loblaw is testing out a way to prevent theft, at least in its self-checkout lines, according to CBC News.

The Canadian retailer is testing out receipt scanners at four locations. CBC found the devices in Loblaw-owned Zehrs and two Superstore locations in southern Ontario. Shoppers using self-checkout must scan the barcode on their receipt before a metal gate opens and allows them to leave the store.

The move, however, has quickly generated backlash from shoppers, who believe the new inconvenience adds time to the self-checkout process. Some have even said it raises legal issues because Loblaw does not have the right to prevent shoppers from leaving the store.

Last year, the Canadian grocer used workers to check receipts in several stores.

However, despite the crackdown on self-checkout Loblaw said it believes organized crime should be the primary concern in regards to retail theft. In an emailed statement to Canadian news company CBC, Loblaw spokesperson Catherine Thomas said organized retail crime across the entire industry is a serious issue and has only gotten worse.  



 

About the Author

Bill Wilson

Senior editor at Supermarket News

Bill Wilson is the senior editor at Supermarket News, covering all things grocery and retail. He has been a journalist in the B2B industry for 25 years. He has received two Robert F. Boger awards for his work as a journalist in the infrastructure industry and has over 25 editorial awards total in his career. He graduated cum laude from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a major in broadcast communications.

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