The front of store was reconfigured two weeks ago with the new self-serve registers, less assisted registers and a new layout.
The Free Press understands there were months of opposition to the changes from local management and staff, but Woolworths head office enforced the renovations that reduced manned registers by half.
A spokesperson for Woolworths cited shifting buying habits as the main reason for register configuration upgrades at Corowa, and many other stores, but said the changes would not impact local staffing levels.
Woolworths submission to the Senate Inquiry into Supermarket Prices in February 2024 said that for a basket with 20 items or less, 83 per cent of customers choose self-service checkouts and for a basket with more than 20 items, the majority chose a staffed checkout.
Half the locals surveyed by The Free Press were not happy with the changes, 38 per cent claimed to be unaffected and only 12 per cent viewed the upgrades as a positive change.
Popular opinion is that wait times standing in line will be pushed out due to fewer manned registers.
The elderly in particular feel like they have been let down.
Local resident Spencer Johnston suggested the impact of the change would have social implications.
“My concern is for people of my age who use the manned checkouts because sometimes that’s their only form of social engagement,” Mr Johnston said.
“Some days you just need to talk to another person, and on those days that might just be the checkout person at the local supermarket.”
Corowa store manager Paul Rawkins said the changes would provide everyone with options.
“We know that you might still enjoy being served by a team member, so there will still be assisted checkouts alongside these new self-serve checkouts,” Mr Rawkins said.
“If you need a hand navigating these changes, please feel free to ask myself or another friendly member of the team for help.”
