Safeway has confirmed that it is removing self-checkout machines at several stores due to increasing incidents of theft. Although the grocery chain did not specify which locations are affected, a statement indicated that the decision was made to address the rising theft rates. “Operational changes have been made at select stores throughout the Bay Area given the increasing amount of theft,” the statement read. “Self-checkout kiosks have been removed at a few stores. Like other local businesses, we are working on ways to curtail escalating theft so we can ensure the well-being of our employees and foster a welcoming environment for our customers.”

Impact on Local Stores

The Safeway on Pleasant Valley Road in Oakland is one of the stores that has removed its self-checkout kiosks earlier this month. The space previously occupied by the machines now stands empty, with only marks on the floor where they once sat. In place of the kiosks, the store has set up a display of soda cans. This store is not an isolated case, as other Safeway locations in San Francisco and Emeryville have also taken similar measures. Despite the removal of self-checkouts, some stores, such as the ones on Grand Avenue and College Avenue in Oakland, still have their machines operational.

Retail Experts and Customer Reactions

Retail experts suggest that Safeway likely analyzed the data on theft at these stores and concluded that the financial losses outweighed the benefits of the self-checkout machines. “You have to take out the self-checkouts because you can’t make money,” said Patrick Penfield, a professor of practices and supply chain management at Syracuse University. “This is a real conundrum for these retailers trying to offer the best customer service, the best customer satisfaction, but still trying to make money.”

Some customers have expressed disappointment over the removal of self-checkout options, fearing longer lines at the traditional checkout lanes. “With more people coming in, it’s going to be a problem. There’s going to be longer lines at the checkout,” said Ray Stewart of Oakland.

Legislative Efforts to Address Self-Checkout Issues

In addition to Safeway’s actions, a California lawmaker is advocating for stricter regulations on self-checkout kiosks, highlighting their contribution to theft. Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) noted that these kiosks result in approximately 16 times more loss than cashier-staffed checkout stands, with an estimated $10 billion annual loss attributed to self-checkout machines. She has introduced legislation that mandates a minimum staffing level of one worker for every two self-checkout machines. According to Smallwood-Cuevas, this measure would help reduce theft and preserve jobs.

“Lone workers have become easy targets of theft and violence and they’re too often forced to stock merchandise, operate checkout, cater to customers, all while trying to monitor their stores for retail theft,” she explained. This legislation aims to enhance security and support retail workers by ensuring adequate staffing levels at self-checkout stations.