Asda Introduces New Self-Checkout Hours & Customers Are Not Happy

• Asda implements self-checkout only hours at Bournemouth store
• Customers express dissatisfaction, calling the experience "unpleasant"
• New hours apply during quiet periods; staff still available for assistance
• Move follows growing frustration with self-checkout systems across UK supermarkets

Asda has rolled out a new policy at its Bournemouth store, introducing designated hours where only self-checkouts are available. This change has sparked discontent among shoppers, who describe the experience as “unpleasant.”

The new self-checkout only hours run from 7am to 8am every day except Sunday, and during certain evening hours throughout the week. This decision has left some customers frustrated, as they prefer the personal touch of manned tills.

A shopper shared their experience with MailOnline, noting that the self-scan only hours have made shopping at the store less enjoyable. Asda clarified to The Sun that this is a temporary measure intended for quieter shopping periods, and it’s not a company-wide policy. The supermarket reassured customers that staff are still on hand to assist those who prefer manned checkouts.

This move comes as supermarkets across the UK, including Morrisons, reevaluate their use of self-checkouts following customer feedback. Data from The Grocer indicates a drop in service satisfaction linked to the rise of self-service machines, further fueling the debate on the balance between technology and human interaction in retail.

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented, “It’s clear that while self-checkouts offer convenience, many customers still value the traditional shopping experience. It’s essential for supermarkets to find the right balance to keep everyone happy.”