Last Friday, I was accused of making racist comments by a cashier attendant at this Walmart. That has never happened to me in 30+ years of shopping at numerous Walmarts and I never anticipated it ever would. I had a large order, but not exorbitant and it all fit in one basket, so going to the self-checkout section was normal for me. I am picky about not getting dented cans or broken eggs so I always seek self-checkout areas everywhere. And I really didn't think much about it when I was directed to the station with the sign that said "Cards Only, No Cash Back" - I was planning to use the same card I use at all Walmarts and I didn't need cash. However, after scanning about a dozen items the machine stopped and required attendant assistance. This occurred many times and I was not the only customer having difficulties. After restarting my station several times, I found myself stopped again and just decided to wait since the attendant was busy with frustrated others.
Eventually, a second attendant stopped by, but was unable to get the machine restarted - I think she must not have had a correct code. The first attendant returned and restarted me again. I asked both attendants if they thought I might be doing something wrong. I assured them I am experienced with Walmart self-checkout stations throughout Madison County and southern Tennessee, and have used self-checkout stations at all of them since the stations were installed, so I asked if we needed a technician. The second attendant said I should not have brought such a large order to self-checkout. I explained that I have had larger orders at self-checkout in the past and asked if this was a change in Walmart policy, if there was a sign about that, and if I should consider Kroger for such a large purchase in the future specifically stating that Kroger has the large carousel bagging stations for accommodating large orders. The second attendant did not respond to me, but looked at the first attendant and asked her, "Why do they go there?" I did not understand what that meant and still don't, but the second attendant then left the area.
My checkout station continued to malfunction, and the first attendant continued to fix the stalls. I'm sure she was trying to be helpful when she brought a second basket to my station and started dropping in my bags of cans - and not gently. I asked her to please not help "with bagging because I am picky about dented cans, broken eggs, and such - it is the reason I use self-checkout". The machine was not stalled at that point and she left.
Then she returned with a third attendant who walked up to my face and accused me of "being racist", and of "making racist comments". A fourth attendant walked up with the third, alongside a manager (apparently as he was in men's dress attire). I was visibly shocked (as were the other customers checking out in the self-checkout area who stopped to watch). I shook my head and said, "What!?! No one has made any racist comments or made any comments of the sort. That's crazy! I have a malfunctioning checkout station and I think there are several malfunctioning machines in this area - and that may be causing frustrations but no one has said anything inappropriate that 'I' have heard!"
No one said anything else. The third attendant cleared my machine this time (probably a supervisor) and I proceeded to checkout my last 5-6 items. The fourth attendant and the manager left without saying a word. I finished bagging, paid my bill, and organized my bags into my original basket. I returned the basket brought by the first attendant to the oversight station where the third attendant was still supervising, arms crossed. I asked if anyone had a problem. I asked if anyone wanted to check my receipt. No one responded - no answer nor any words, but the third attendant waved me on. It was all very rude. Interestingly, as I left, I realized the formerly bustling self-checkout area was now nearly empty.
All four of the attendants were female African Americans. The man who seemed to be a manager was Caucasian.
When I walked out, I looked back and there were no Caucasians in the checkout area. One woman stopped me outside (a stranger) and said she left her basket full of cold foods in the aisle when she heard them accuse me; she said she is done with this store. I hate that. I have probably had 50 great shopping experiences in this store, but this one really canceled out all of them. I thought this would not bother me, but it has. So I decided to post my experience. I would not want my friends or family subjected to accusations like this and will recommend they also go to a different Walmart. Fortunately, there are several alternative stores nearby, including 6 other Walmarts. read more
