Tesco shoppers ‘horrified’ over supermarket’s new AI feature in aisles

Tesco
has implemented significant alterations to its
supermarket aisles
— even though they were designed
to thwart shoplifters
, it has left some customers feeling disgruntled.

At a limited number of locations and for specific premium items such as alcoholic beverages, the store has implemented locking mechanisms.
security cabinets
, capable of monitoring when items are taken and for how long.

The technology requires a detailed four-part procedure.
to unlock them
, along with the capability to alert personnel should any questionable behavior be observed.

First of all, shoppers are presented with a message explaining ‘this cabinet is locked for security reasons.’ The machine, which operates using AI, then prompts users to tap an arrow to be granted access.

After pressing the button, the system confirms that it’s ‘processing the request’ before starting a short countdown. And after all that, the goods are finally released, getting customers closer to a well-deserved tipple. Gin and tonic, anyone?

Although it’s only been rolled out in a few Tesco locations – including Purley in South
London
– the move quickly caught the attention of shoppers. And not everyone’s happy.

Posting in the
r/Tesco Subreddit
, @The_King_Bowser shared an image of the displays at their nearby shop, querying whether others had observed this change.

In response, @Fatandugly35 asked ‘How does this really prevent thieves?’, whereas @mamoneis commented: ‘It’s puzzling how many measures are put in place rather than having someone stay in that aisle.’

Another commenter, @SebastianHaff17, likened the new system to ‘experiencing an expensive form of incarceration.’

Over on TikTok, @mrsk047 said it was ‘truly horrifying [that] this is required,’ while @freddiemorecurry said ‘they have locks on the door. The state of the country.’

A representative from Tesco stated, “To assist with reducing theft, we’ve implemented sliding security measures on a select few shelving units as an extra precaution.”


.

According to the supermarket, the devices have only been rolled out at a ‘small number of stores’, and are ‘not a universal policy’.

This isn’t the only
change Tesco has made
Recently, however, this supermarket chain has started following suit by adding cameras to their self-service checkout stations. A key distinction is that these allow customers to view themselves on camera as they make purchases.

These new checkouts—which some customers compare to ‘Big Brother’ surveillance—record your actions as you scan items. If you fail to scan something correctly, they will replay video clips of what happened.

Any customers trying to sneak extra products (even a 25p bag) will now receive a public dressing down, with the checkout announcing: ‘It looks like that last item didn’t scan. Please check you scanned it correctly before continuing.’

In Gateshead,
the retailer
is trialling another new feature at its Scan as you Shop checkouts, installing trolley and basket scales inside the
Tesco Extra
store.

Upon entering, those who use the service just grab a headset and perform a scan.
barcode
For every item they place in their cart or shopping trolley. During the checkout process, they can package everything normally, with the system calculating the total cost according to the weight.

Have you got a tale to tell?

Reach out via email
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.

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