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We have all noticed when going into a supermarket, an airport, a gas station...the increasing use of vending machines or "self-service" checkout lines. Some experts believe that this new trend may start to threaten retail jobs.
Like the automotive industry before it, increased use of machines caused the loss of thousands of jobs in that sector. The fear is that the same will happen within the retail industry as retailers try to cut costs and increase efficiency.
Studies show that self-service lines do increase sales. The amount of customers getting through the lines is said to increase by 20%. Customers like them because they don't have to wait in line for ages. Some say it's "less embarrassing" when they have to buy personal items. The amount of time customers wait in lines is said to decrease by 40%.
The benefits to the retailers are undeniable. But this is not good news for those who work in this field. One article states: "In January, the U.S. employed 14.5 million retail workers, 1.1 million fewer than in January 2008." Another article further states: "The retail sector...lost 8,100 jobs between January and February."
So it seems that the threat is real for retail workers. However, not everyone agrees with this conclusion. Some experts believe it is just an example of the times. The world is constantly growing and adapting. This is one way the retail sector is responding to the increased demand for technological efficiency.
For example, self-service machines can free up employees to help out in other areas so that they are more useful. Instead of getting rid of employees, simply the way they work would change. This change would work to the benefit of the retailer as well as for the benefit of the customer.
In addition, there is, currently, not sufficient proof to suggest that retail workers will become obsolete. Retailers are simply using self-service machines to “increase productivity” and to increase sales.
In this economy jobs are hard to find in general. Technology is used increasingly more and more nowadays. It is important for workers to understand how technology affects their sector and adjust accordingly.
By: Samantha Taylor
Samantha is a Boston, Massachusetts native. Her studies have taken her from Ohio to England, where she lived for two years. Currently, Samantha lives in Andalucía, Spain, with her husband. She is a writer for Nexxt and contributes to one of its many blogs: retailgig
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