Maxima introduces new evening checkout policy

Lithuanian retail chain "Maxima" has implemented a new policy encouraging customers to use self-service checkouts during the final two hours of its operating day. The change, which began on July 1, means that regular staffed checkouts are primarily available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

However, a spokesperson for Maxima, Ernesta Vareikyte, emphasized that this does not mean traditional checkouts will be completely closed during these evening hours. "Cashiers work throughout the store's operating hours," Vareikyte explained. "If customer traffic increases before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m., customers will be served at a regular checkout. Additionally, if a customer prefers to pay at a regular checkout or needs assistance, they can always approach a hall or self-service checkout employee who will ensure service at a regular checkout."

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Cashiers work throughout the store's operating hours. If customer traffic increases before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m., customers will be served at a regular checkout. Additionally, if a customer prefers to pay at a regular checkout or needs assistance, they can always approach a hall or self-service checkout employee who will ensure service at a regular checkout.

The decision to adjust checkout operations is based on optimizing store efficiency and staff allocation, taking into account customer flow patterns. Maxima noted that customer traffic is highest during the day, with lower volumes in the early morning and late evening. The company also highlighted a significant increase in self-service checkout usage, with 63% of all purchases made through these terminals this year, up from 58% last year.

While Maxima has received some customer feedback regarding the change, Vareikyte stated that requests related to the operating hours of regular checkouts constitute less than 1% of all inquiries. "Regular checkouts remain an important part of our store operations, so there are no plans to transition to a model where customers are served only by self-service checkouts," she assured. The company also confirmed that neither this change in operating hours nor the expansion of self-service checkouts will impact overall job numbers.

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Regular checkouts remain an important part of our store operations, so there are no plans to transition to a model where customers are served only by self-service checkouts.