Shoppers slam ‘massive problems’ with the new ‘Scan and Go’ trolleys at Woolworths: ‘Give us a discount’

Woolworths has introduced a new way to shop in stores using a digital trolley – but many are not happy about it.

The supermarket giant launched the Scan&Go Trolley trial in selected Sydney stores, which allows customers to scan their items as they shop using a tablet.

But many have raised concerns and find the change to be inconvenient and time-consuming compared to traditional checkouts. 

Before shopping, customers can unlock a tablet by scanning their Everyday Rewards card and placing it on a trolley.

The groceries can be tracked easily and paid for in one transaction without the need to remove any items. 

The new offering is being trialled at Woolworths Windsor in Sydney’s North West with plans to also launch in Warringah Mall, The Ponds, Kellyville North, Lane Cove, Kellyville, Oran Park, Kellyville Grove, Schofields Town Centre and North Parramatta.

One shopper, Jenny, said it took longer than usual to finish her regular grocery shop while using the new tech. 

‘It wasn’t as easy as just doing my normal shop. I don’t know where to scan it,’ she told 7NEWS.

‘It took much longer than I thought it would. It was finding the products, and then also scanning and leaning over and just checking it all the time.’

Others complained on social media, with one person claiming the technology is ‘dehumanising’ because it lowers the amount of social interaction in store. 

‘I feel so sorry for the elderly who may have no idea of how to use this technology,’ one wrote on Facebook. 

‘Nope, I want my human cashiers scanning and bagging my items. I believe we should be discounted for scanning and bagging our own groceries,’ another said. 

‘I think it’s just another way to dehumanise us, moving further and further away from socialising whilst risking the livelihoods of people trying to make ends meet,’ a third added. 

Before shopping customers can unlock a tablet by scanning their Everyday Rewards card and placing it on a trolley. But shoppers on TikTok were outraged and claimed the new feature makes them feel like they’re Woolworths employees

‘I don’t want to lose my social skills altogether, as this is about the only regular time apart from my studies that I’m physically in contact with others,’ another wrote.

But Woolworths argues the change is centered around making grocery shops more convenient for customers. 

‘Our customers are looking for us to deliver both value and convenience,’ Woolworths Group’s Faye IIhan said in a statement.

‘Scan&Go Trolley is a market-leading innovation that will help them both save time and balance the budget on their supermarket shop.

‘Pending feedback from our customers, we hope to introduce the Scan&Go Trolley in more of our supermarkets nationwide.’

The latest technology is an extension of the mobile feature offered at selected locations.