Walmart getting rid of cashiers at B.C. store as part of test

Walmart is replacing cashiers at its Terrace store in northwest B.C., with self-serve checkouts this summer, making it a test project along with a select number of other outlets in Canada. 

In an emailed statement, Walmart Canada said its Terrace store was selected as a test location because a large number of customers were using self-checkouts. 

“Our business is transforming and we’re relentlessly focused on making our stores simpler and faster for our customers. That’s why we’re constantly innovating and trying new initiatives so we can be the very best retailer,” said spokesperson Felicia Fefer. 

“Our customers have embraced self-checkouts as they’ve rolled out across the country over the past few years,” she added. 

But while Walmart will eliminate cashier positions in Terrace that don’t necessarily mean an overall job loss, the corporation said. 

“Over the years we’ve heard concerns that self-checkouts will impact jobs but that’s simply not the case. The self-checkout area will be staffed by dedicated associates to help our customers and there will be no job loss as a result of this change,” said Fefer. 

She said 40 more people will be hired in the coming months in the Terrace store as it prepares to launch an online grocery purchase option.

— This story was originally published by the Terrace Standard.