Shoppers at the Oxford and Gammage Real Canadian Superstore were greeted with a surprising sight this week when they discovered all self-checkout machines had been completely removed from the store.

Local residents took to social media to share their observations, with many wondering if this was a permanent change or just temporary maintenance. The checkout area, which previously housed multiple self-service stations, now sits empty with what appears to be renovation work underway.

Store employees have confirmed that new self-checkout machines are being installed, suggesting this isn’t the end of self-service shopping at the location. According to staff members, the store is actually expanding their self-checkout capacity, with plans to install up to 12 new machines – double the previous number.

The timing of the removal has sparked conversation among London shoppers, particularly given the ongoing boycott of Loblaws-owned stores. Many residents have been avoiding Superstore and other Loblaws properties in protest of what they perceive as excessive grocery prices and corporate practices.

Some shoppers speculated that increased theft at self-checkout stations might have prompted the temporary removal, though store staff indicate this is simply an upgrade to newer technology. The new machines are expected to feature larger tablet screens and updated software, similar to installations at other locations across the province.

The conversation around self-checkouts has become increasingly polarised among London residents. While some appreciate the convenience and speed of scanning their own items, others view the technology as a way for corporations to reduce labour costs while maintaining high prices.

One store employee mentioned that the previous machines were showing their age and had become prone to frequent malfunctions, requiring constant staff intervention. The newer models are designed to be more reliable and user-friendly.

The renovation work at the Oxford and Gammage location comes as several Superstore locations across Ontario have been updating their checkout areas. The St. Thomas location underwent a similar transformation recently, emerging with an expanded self-checkout section.

Local shoppers who have been participating in the Loblaws boycott report that alternative grocery stores like Food Basics, Walmart, and Giant Tiger have seen increased traffic in recent weeks. Some residents say they’ve noticed a noticeable decrease in crowds at Superstore locations, though this varies by area and time of day.

The installation of new self-checkout machines is expected to take several weeks to complete. During this time, customers will need to use traditional checkout lanes with cashiers for all their purchases.