Tesco say tills can be opened

A SUPERMARKET giant in Annan says customers ‘can always ask’ for a manned till to be opened. Tesco Superstore on Scott’s Street Annan came under fire again last week for the lack of staff operated tills.

More self-service checkouts have recently come into operation in the shop.

But many customers say they prefer manned tills, especially when they have a full trolley and multiple items.

One shopper contacted this paper after a frustrating visit to the store, during which they ended up abandoning their packed trolley due to a lack of open tills. They described the current situation as ‘despicable’.

Other customer concerns around the self-service machines include confusion, still needing to ask for assistance – for age-restricted and other items, and missing out on social interaction, which can be valuable for some.

Responding, a Tesco spokesperson said: “Our colleagues and the friendly service they provide are absolutely vital to our stores and they will always be on hand to help our customers, whatever time of day, whether they are checking out at one of our colleague-operated or self-service checkouts.

“We first introduced self-service checkouts more than 20 years ago to give our customers a choice and our stores have both types of checkouts.

“We are proud to offer customers choice when it comes to checking out and customers can always ask a colleague for a manned till to be opened.”

The Annan store also posted a statement on social media, it said: “We would like to thank our customers and colleagues for their cooperation during our transition into introducing more self service checkouts.

“Unfortunately there has been some instances in which our colleagues have been verbally abused.

“Please continue to support our store as we navigate this change together. Colleagues will always be available and willing to assist anyone who needs it.”