How a Basket on Wheels Revolutionized Grocery Shopping

priceonomics.com

6 pointsnthitz3 comments

I can't find a reference now, but apparently the first "self-service" store in Australia was the original Coles Variety Store in Smith St, Melbourne, opened in 1914.

[1] http://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/articles/1901

Today, Coles is one of the big two supermarket "duopoly" and "self-service" refers to those robotic checkouts that are actually slower and more infuriating than being assisted at the counter to ring-up your purchase. Interestingly, the structure of checkouts now suggests that less shoppers use trolleys than I seem to recall from a few decades ago.

Another piece of trivia: I don't think I've ever seen a plastic trolley in Australia.

> refers to those robotic checkouts that are actually slower and more infuriating than being assisted at the counter

I felt this way until recently. Home depot, which I virtually live at, pushes them really hard. I've gotten to where I enjoy not waiting in line and waiting for the clerk. Part of this is because I've gotten good at it. I can get out quickly.

Good point, even though in small efforts you end up waiting for a free one too.

I pity the debugging clerk here. Idleing most of the time or checking bills...

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