Shoppers’ warning

Depending on my needs I shop at several of the local chain stores for groceries. I am increasingly frustrated by the lack of service in that there are fewer lanes “manned” with cashiers. Because of the long lines there, I sometimes choose the self check-out, with regret. The automated voice issues instructions such as “remove item from bagging area” which have to be cleared by the attendant, who may not be paying attention.

I have complaints about the system which I’ve communicated to the corporate offices of the stores.

What I learned from family in cities in the Eastern USA is that grocery self-checkout has already been shut down for weeks due to the obvious source of virus contagion. So much touching on the hard surfaces where the virus may be passed along. I urge other shoppers to be aware of this and ask for more trained personnel at check-out lanes. Certainly there are enough unemployed people who would be eager to hired in the essential grocery business.

Katherine Rimbach

Spokane