Loblaw comes under fire for receipt scanners at self-checkout

Loblaw began a pilot program in Ontario consisting of receipt scanners in self-checkout areas earlier this month, and the Canadian grocer is already seeing a negative kickback, reports media outlet Daily Hive.

The test has shoppers scanning their tickets in self-checkout before a metal gate opens to allow them to exit the store. 

Leadnow, a Canadian outfit which creates awareness on social and political issues, has started a petition and is calling for shoppers to sign it and send emails to Loblaw CEO Per Bank asking for the removal of the scanners. 

The petition, which has generated more than 6,000 signatures, allows shoppers to send a pre-written letter to the grocery head. 

The letter to Bank goes into the high prices of grocery food in Canada and states receipt checks are a “legal gray zone” and that they “leave the door open for increased surveillance, which too often results in racial profiling and harassment of customers who are visible minorities.” 

Loblaw has not responded to a request for comment in time for publication. 

Last week Reddit group Loblaws Is Out of Control, which has over 25,000 members, called on shoppers to boycott Loblaws grocery stores starting in May. The list of grocers includes Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, No Frills, Zehrs, Fortinos, Valu-Mart, Wholesale Club, Your Independent Grocer, T&T Supermarket, PC Financial, and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Loblaws Is Out of Control wants a 15% reduction in prices and for the retailer to remove its member-only pricing connected to its PC Optimum card before it calls off the boycott. It also is forming a petition it plans on sending to the House of Commons.