Tesco introduces self-service store
There are concerns about the future of many workers in the retail industry after supermarket giant Tesco opened its first wholly self-service store in Kingsley, Northampton. While the group has defended the move and claimed it has created enormous job opportunities in the past, and will do so in the future, the unions have already presented representation regarding their concerns.
The new Tesco Express in Kingsley allows customers to scan bar codes and items, pay for their items using cash and cards although it has to be said that a member of staff will always be on hand if there are issues. While there are some concerns regarding the ability of some consumers to use the self-service system it would appear that Tesco is looking to reduce its cost base as much as possible while attempting to maintain high levels of customer service.
It seems unlikely that Tesco will introduce an enormous number of self-service stores in the short to medium term but as technology improves and consumers demand quicker and quicker checkouts we may see the introduction of more or self-service stores, not only by Tesco but potentially across the whole retail market. However, companies moving down this route will need to be very careful that they do in fact maintain customer service levels and are not just slashing costs indiscriminately.
Share this..
Related stories
UK energy suppliers to announce record profits
It is believed that UK energy suppliers will this week announce combined profits, amongst the top six, of £4.5 billion which is an increase from £3.9 billion last year. This comes at a time when UK taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet and the average energy bill is now up to £1,200 and expected to increase by a further £100 because of the cold winter snap. So what can be done to help con...
Read MoreWhat happens to your pension in a divorce?
How your pension can be affected by your divorce Divorce can have a huge impact on your life, your money and even your pension. We have spoken to Anita Shepherd, head of family law at Davis Blank Furniss, to help navigate the legalities involved. We going through the painful process of divorce, your pension may be one of the last things to be taken into consideration. Many people don’t eve...
Read MoreWhat effect does rising unemployment have on an economy?
The effects of rising unemployment on the UK economy should not be underestimated as it will have significant consequences going forward. Not only does it place more pressure upon the benefit system, with more and more funding required, but it also reduces taxable income in the UK therefore reducing the overall pot from which the benefit system is funded.
Aside from purely financial...
Government sells off further Lloyds shares
23/06/2015 The Government has sold more Lloyds shares to investors, taking its stake to below 17%. During the 2008 financial crisis, the government paid £22.5 billion of tax payers money to own a 41% stake in the bank. In 2013, they started to sell shares to help return money to the tax payer. So far, £11.5 billion has been returned. UK Financial Investments (UKFI), the firm responsib...
Read More