Visit this Target location every weekend, for years since it's close to home. I like arriving within the first hour of operation. There is usually someone who oversees the front lanes, to avoid backup at check out.
Noticed recently the self checkout section is closed in the morning and there is usually one, maybe two (if you're lucky) cashiers.
My visit today, 5/19 was an eye opener of how things have changed. Arrived around 8:30am for a few items. There is a good amount of people shopping, nothing crazy, but not an empty store. As we proceeded to check out, the self checkout section was closed, although it's not clear this section is closed. Yes, the lights were off above the machines, but that's nothing new, the lights are not always an indication that the machine is closed or open. The screen did indicate login or sign on, something to that effect, so I knew this section was closed. Of course there was one cashier, 3 people already in line to pay, now 4, with us. Well standing in line, 3 different people are now trying to use the self checkout machines. Not one team member around to advise them this section is closed or a closed sign. Once the cashier hears someone in the self checkout trying to scan an item, she expresses that section is closed. The 3 guest now proceed to the growing line which contains about 10 guests now. I ask the cashier if there is anyone else that can help, she sarcastically says nope, she's the only one. She doesn't even call for back up, now I'm annoyed. At this point I walk over to the customer service area to ask for a manager. I ask the young lady behind the counter if there is a manager I can speak to. She doesn't seem happy that I'm asking for a manager, but she radios in for one. A few seconds later I hear a voice asking why, to which the young lady replies someone would like to speak to a manager. The managers reply is clear, and she sounds bothered that she has to stop what she's doing, but says she'll be there in a bit or it will be a bit. Based on her tone, I then ask the young lady if she can get the manager to provide more help in the front lanes, since the line to check out is long and there is only one cashier. No need to wait for a manger to say the same thing. I even point to the line that has grown and now near the young girls clothing. At this point I walk back to the cashier line.
Thankfully a few seconds later I see a target member walking to the front lanes. He see's the long line, gets to a register, then flags a a guest who was either at the end of the line or just walking over to the line. FORGET the fact there is a line of people who have been waiting to check out. Whatever happened to pulling over the next person in line?? Then two additional cashiers arrive for a total of 4, was that so hard?? Each cashier had 2 to 3 people, which makes it clear the original line had backed up. Once they take care of the back up, they can go back to doing what they were previously doing.
I get it, Target is cutting back on the morning crew since it's not their busiest time. However, removing the self checkout section, which I never cared for, and leaving one cashier creates a backup. Why not allow your cashier to ask for backup when needed. Why can't the manager respond, "sure, I'll be there shortly". CUSTOMER SERVICE it's SIMPLE, NOT HARD!! Don't make this difficult. read more