Is supermarket tech leaving seniors behind?
Supermarkets say “smart” trolleys will make shopping more convenient, but some people prefer to shop the traditional way.
Australian supermarkets are undergoing a technological transformation, extending the number of self-service checkouts and rolling out new technology including “smart” trolleys that automatically tally up your bill as you shop.
It’s all being done in the name of efficiency and convenience, but it comes at a cost – particularly for seniors who want to deal with a person at the checkout and pay with cash rather than a card or digital device.
Coles has begun trialling AI-powered smart trolleys in Melbourne, before they appear nationwide, while Woolworths is rolling out “Scan&Go” trolleys at dozens of sites.
These trolleys feature built-in sensors that allow shoppers to scan and pay for items directly from the cart, bypassing the queues at the checkout.
The big supermarkets say these innovations aim to streamline the shopping process, reduce wait times, and help customers manage their budgets.
Retailers are also motivated by the potential to cut labour costs, although both Coles and Woolworths have said the technology will not lead to staff losses.
While the smart trolleys and other changes offer benefits that a lot of shoppers will embrace, the rapid move towards automation poses challenges for older Australians.
Many seniors value personal interaction at staffed checkouts and are more comfortable using cash rather than electronic payments.
The increasing prevalence of self-service options and digital payment methods can lead to feelings of exclusion among seniors who may not be tech-savvy or simply prefer to keep track of their finances by paying with cash.
The National Seniors Australia (NSA) Keep Cash campaign advocates for the continued acceptance of transactions with bank notes and coins.
Our campaign encourages retailers to display “We Accept Cash” stickers to let people know they are welcome to use their preferred payment method.
As supermarkets embrace technological innovations, it’s essential to balance modernisation with inclusivity.
Ensuring that all customers, regardless of age or technological proficiency, have access to preferred shopping methods will be key to maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty in this evolving retail landscape.
Related reading: Yahoo! Finance, News1, News2, Woolworths, NSA
Help us 'Keep Cash!'
National Seniors is calling for cash to be accessible and accepted, to ensure seniors feel safer and are not digitally excluded.
