Sainsbury’s at the Kings Park shopping centre in Wantage has introduced a new gate at their self-service checkout area, requiring customers to scan their receipt before exiting the store. This security measure has sparked varying reactions from customers, some of whom have raised concerns about its impact on the shopping experience.
Several shoppers have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media. One local resident, John Brown, shared that he felt “trapped inside the store” due to the gate, stating, “Sainsbury’s is a shop, not a prison.” Another customer, Fabbi Fernandes, remarked on the difficulty of scanning her receipt while carrying items, calling the process frustrating and inconvenient. Colleen Ann Stacey and Moya Lee shared similar sentiments, expressing concerns that this change might deter them—and others—from shopping at Sainsbury’s in the future.
Critics of the gate also question its effectiveness in curbing shoplifting. John Allinson suggested that dishonest individuals might still exploit the system by paying for a single item while taking additional items unpaid. Andrew Holding echoed this view, believing that shoplifting would persist regardless of the gate. Shoppers like Charlotte Nicholls raised environmental concerns about the requirement to print receipts for everyone, calling this practice wasteful and unnecessary.
However, not all feedback has been negative. Many customers support the measure as an unfortunate but necessary response to rising theft incidents. Keely Levell argued that such measures wouldn’t be needed if people refrained from stealing. Simon Duke noted that while unwelcome, the gate was an important step to protect businesses. Crystal Greenland commented that the additional security was a necessary action due to limited police resources for dealing with thefts. Similarly, Mike Price highlighted the prevalence of dishonesty in today’s world, asserting that Sainsbury’s had limited options left to address the issue. Jez Fernandez, although acknowledging the inconvenience, shared his belief that the measure was vital, especially in response to organized shoplifting activities.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson responded to the criticism, explaining that this type of security gate is not a new initiative and is currently in place at a small number of stores. According to the spokesperson, this system is one of several strategies the company employs to tackle shoplifting and ensure a safe shopping environment for customers.
For Wantage residents seeking alternative shopping options, be sure to explore our shops & retail directory, which includes a list of local businesses. Additionally, if you run a store or service in Wantage, consider creating a free business profile with us.
