Woolworths boss Brad Banducci fires back at customers complaining about self-service checkouts
- Chief executive defends Woolworths' use of self-service tills
- Brad Banducci said there are now more jobs, not fewer
- READ MORE: One move Australian supermarkets won't make
Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci has hit back at one of customers' biggest complaints - self-service check-outs.
In an email sent to customers over the weekend, Mr Banducci addressed the question of whether the company's use of technology means that jobs have been cut.
The chief executive said there are now more people employed by the supermarket chain, not fewer.
'Self-service check-outs and the perception that this results in a reduction in team members in-store is a passionate dinner table topic in our house,' he wrote.
'The fact is, we employ more people than ever before and, with the popularity of online ordering, this year we've hired 5,500 personal shoppers, so there's more jobs at Woolies not less.'
Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci has hit back at one of customers' biggest complaints in recent years - self-service check-outs. A woman is pictured using a Woolworths self-service till
In an email to customers, Mr Banducci (pictured) addressed the question of whether Woolworths' use of technology means that jobs have been cut
Woolworths and Australia's other dominant supermarket chain Coles have both ruled out a return to only using staffed checkouts after some retailers did so in other countries.
UK grocery chains Booths announced it would get rid of self-service checkouts in all but two of its 28 shops, while in the US, Walmart, Costco and many other retailers are reverting to staffed checkouts in some stores.
'Self-service checkouts are a great option for customers because they offer convenience and efficiency when shopping in our stores to help customers check out more quickly and pack their bags the way they like,' a Coles spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
'Our team members will always be available throughout our service area to help customers who would like assistance.'
A Woolworths spokesperson had a very similar message, saying 'We know some customers prefer to be served by a team member and that's why there is always that option in all of our stores.'
Coles said that two-thirds of its customers already use self-service checkouts and that those numbers are on the rise.
Woolworths and Australia's other dominant supermarket outlet Coles have both ruled out a return to only using staffed checkouts such as the one pictured
In his message to customers, Mr Banducci also said that 'a minority of customers are treating our team badly'.
'During the pandemic, our team members were often considered frontline heroes. Sadly, that goodwill has fallen away,' he wrote.
'While the vast majority of customers do the right thing, we're seeing an unacceptable rise in team abuse.
'There's no excuse for this behaviour in our stores or any workplace. We thank all our customers who treat our team with respect and kindness.'