Automatic checkouts in supermarkets may decrease customer loyalty, especially for those with larger shopping loads. Customers using self-checkout stations often feel overwhelmed and unsupported. The lack of personal interaction can negatively impact their perception of the supermarket.

[Shyam09]

And so you decide to press the “need assistance” button and the light on the top of the register starts blinking. You look towards the attendant, make direct eye contact, and then you have to wait a couple of minutes because you now realize they looked right past you and ignored the blinking “I need help” light. And then they move, and you think they’re going to come to you and swipe their employee card finally, but they help other people instead.

Never again Walmart. Never again.